Israel's winter storm continues Sunday following an exceptionally rainy weekend that saw record rainfall in the Sharon region. Local showers are expected to persist across northern and central Israel, with a slight risk of localized flooding along the coastal plain during the morning. Isolated thunderstorms remain possible until midday, after which rainfall is expected to gradually weaken and become less frequent. Local showers may also reach the northern Negev.
Local rainfall remains possible until nighttime, particularly along the southern coastal plain and in the northern Negev. The rain is expected to stop overnight, with skies becoming mostly clear to partly cloudy.
On Monday, temperatures will remain below seasonal averages, with partly cloudy skies. Brisk northerly winds are expected along the coast during the afternoon.
Temperatures will rise on Tuesday but remain slightly below normal for the season. Skies will be mostly clear, with strong northerly winds developing along the coast in the afternoon. On Wednesday, local showers, mostly light, may return along the coast. Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy, and temperatures will remain slightly below seasonal averages.
Flooding, damage and dramatic footage
The winter storm brought record-breaking rainfall to the Sharon region on Saturday afternoon. At the Israel Meteorological Service's monitoring station in Kadima, 117 millimeters (4.6 inches) of rain fell in just 75 minutes. The storm produced the most exceptional November rainfall event since 2020, with unusually intense downpours recorded at numerous monitoring stations along the coast.
Flooding in Kadima Zoran
(Photo: Kadima-Zoran city council)
In Binyamina, 48 mm (1.9 inches) of rain fell in one hour, while Hadera and Tel Aviv each recorded 35 mm (1.4 inches). Ashdod received approximately 90 mm (3.5 inches) over the preceding 24 hours.
Following the intense downpours, the Kadima-Zoran Local Council instructed residents to remain at home and avoid nonessential travel. The council urged residents to stay away from flooded roads and areas, follow safety guidelines and report hazards to the municipal 106 hotline.
In accordance with instructions from the Fire and Rescue Authority, residents were also asked to avoid using elevators that stop at ground level or underground parking garages during flooding.
Flooding in Binyamina
(Video: Israel Police)
Flooding in Ashdod
(Video: Shiran Dahan)
Two southbound lanes of the Ayalon Highway near the La Guardia interchange in Tel Aviv were closed after a crack was discovered in the road. The damage was caused by water infiltration resulting from a drainage line problem following the heavy rainfall.
In Gan Yavne, electrical infrastructure was damaged Saturday, causing power outages in the town and nearby communities. The Israel Electric Corporation said several power lines had been severed by the weather and that repair crews were working to restore service.
Forecast temperatures for Sunday and overnight: Forecast temperatures for today and tonight: Jerusalem 11°C-16°C, Tel Aviv 15°C-22°C, Haifa 15°C-20°C, Safed 10°C-16°C, Katzrin 12°C-19°C, Tiberias 14°C-21°C, Nazareth 14°C-20°C, Afula 13°C-21°C, Beit She'an 15°C-23°C, Lod 15°C-22°C, Ashdod 16°C-22°C, Ein Gedi 19°C-25°C, Beersheba 14°C-20°C, Mitzpe Ramon 12°C-17°C, Eilat 18°C-25°C.