Amid the stormy weather brought by Storm Byron, rain is expected to continue and intensify through the evening (Wednesday). Around midday, rain began falling in central Israel after several hours of sunshine. The storm is forecast to reach its peak tonight and Thursday, with heavier rainfall and a risk of flooding.
The Israel Meteorological Service issued an early ‘red warning’ for significant precipitation expected from 10 p.m. this evening until 10 p.m. Thursday across the central and southern coastal plain and the Shfela. According to the service, rainfall during that period is expected to total 100 to 150 millimeters (3.9 to 5.9 inches). An updated warning map is available on the service’s website.
In the meantime, flooding was reported in the Arava region. Highway 90 was briefly closed to traffic at the Arava Junction, and later shut again, this time near the Be’er Ora Junction.
The Meteorological Service said that in recent hours, the rain has been concentrated mainly along the northern coast. Haifa recorded about 10 millimeters (0.39 inches), the Afek station near the Krayot 11.2 millimeters (0.44 inches), Acre 12.6 millimeters (0.50 inches), and Nahariya about 9 millimeters (0.35 inches).
In the Arava, the Lotan station recorded only 0.4 millimeters (0.02 inches), and Yotvata 0.1 millimeters (about 0.004 inches). Earlier, the service issued an ‘orange warning’ for significant rainfall today in the Carmel, the northern coastal plain, the central and southern coastal plain, and the Shfela until 10 p.m., with expected totals of 50 to 75 millimeters (2.0 to 3.0 inches).
Snow fell this morning and overnight along the line of upper Hermon outposts. Warrant Officer Kfir Sabag, a career soldier serving on Mount Hermon, told the ynet studio that snowfall had begun there. “Today, winter officially started at last. I think you can see around me, we have snow,” he said, with a completely white backdrop behind him. He added that snow accumulated along the upper outposts but not yet at the lower ski site. “I hope that by next week the forecast will be good, we’ll have snow down below as well, the site will open, civilians will come, and we will be able to bring life back to the north,” he said.
According to Meteorological Service director Dr. Amir Givati, the Atlit station was the first in the country to pass the 100 millimeter mark since Tuesday, recording 101 millimeters (4.0 inches). Tel Aviv recorded 67 millimeters (2.6 inches) over the same period.
The Israel Defense Forces decided to release soldiers serving at remote bases in the south today instead of Thursday to ensure they return home safely, following a weather assessment. The military said storm suits will be distributed to units, especially in the Gaza Strip and the northern sector.
The Health Ministry issued public guidance for the storm, urging older adults, parents of infants, and families with young children to prepare accordingly and take steps to avoid health risks. The ministry said that while staying indoors, people should keep moving and remain active to increase blood circulation and body warmth. It also recommended heating homes to a steady 24 degrees Celsius and no lower than 21 degrees, and maintaining humidity to prevent dry air.