A powerful rain system brought significant precipitation to much of Israel, with some stations in the Atlit area recording nearly 200 millimeters (about 7.9 inches) of rain, around 150 mm (5.9 inches) in the Haifa region and strong totals of approximately 120 mm (4.7 inches) in Rishon LeZion and about 100 mm (3.9 inches) in several other locations, authorities reported.
The storm, dubbed “Byron,” is expected to continue at least through Friday morning. The Israel Meteorological Service issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall on Thursday night for the central coastal plain, the Sharon and the Judean foothills, effective from 10 p.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Friday.
Despite early fears of urban flooding and overwhelmed drainage systems, most cities saw manageable conditions, and rescue teams completed the bulk of their missions without serious injuries. Dr. Amir Givati, head of the meteorological service, was vindicated this week after telling local media that “Tel Aviv will not be underwater,” contradicting more dire predictions from other experts.
Meanwhile, police said they were conducting extensive searches for a missing 19‑year‑old from Bnei Brak, identified as Eliyahu Abba Shaul, who disappeared Thursday evening after leaving his home. Investigators said his shoes were found along the bank of the Yarkon River near Rokach Street in Ramat Gan, leading them to focus their search efforts in that area.
Deputy Commander of the Dan region, Maj. Gen. Elad Klein, held a situation assessment on the ground with command and rescue teams participating in the search. Police asked for the public’s help in locating the missing man, urging anyone with information to contact the emergency number at 100.
The data
Rainfall totals varied widely across the country as the storm peaked, with the heaviest amounts falling in central Israel before the system shifted slightly southward late Thursday night. Between 9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 p.m. Thursday, Rishon LeZion recorded the highest total at 82.2 millimeters (3.2 inches).
Other significant 24‑hour totals included 72 mm in Rehovot, 70.4 mm in Har Tzurim in the Gush Etzion area, 66.3 mm in Netiv HaLamed-Heh south of Beit Shemesh, 62.1 mm near Yavne, 62 mm in Nir Yisrael near Ashkelon, 58.9 mm in Ashkelon, 53.3 mm at the Ashdod port, 53 mm in Kfar HaYarok and 52.9 mm in Beit Dagan. Two measurement stations in the Gaza border region each recorded about 39 mm.
In the far south, Be'er Sheva logged 23.4 mm and Ofakim 23.8 mm, while rain even reached Mitzpe Ramon with 0.4 mm. The Dead Sea region also saw rain, with two stations reporting about 25 mm each; heavy runoff there caused flash floods and temporary closures along Highway 90, though the blocked section was later limited to the southern Dead Sea area.
Sharon and Samaria communities saw measurable rain as well: Ariel recorded 23.9 mm, Karnei Shomron 22.4 mm, Herzliya 21.2 mm, Ra’anana 25.7 mm, Hadera 32.8 mm and Zichron Ya’akov 34.5 mm.
Good totals were also logged along the northern coastal plain despite the storm’s central focus. Ein Carmel reported 67.7 mm, contributing to a cumulative total of about 200 mm (7.9 inches) there and at nearby Ein Ma’arot nature reserve since the system began. In Haifa and surrounding areas, the Technion station measured 46.9 mm, Haifa Bay 34.4 mm, Kiryat Bialik 33.3 mm, Acre (Akko) 47.9 mm and Nahariya 32.9 mm. Karmiel saw 30 mm and Sakhnin 29.4 mm, with similar amounts recorded in Nazareth and Iksal.
Streams in the north saw renewed flow, with Kiryat Shmona receiving 32 mm, Merom Golan 23.1 mm, Safed 15.9 mm and Kibbutz Amir 20.8 mm. The Sea of Galilee rose only slightly — about 0.5 centimeters — but further increases are likely in the coming days as runoff continues.
In contrast, the immediate Sea of Galilee area saw lower rainfall: Kfar Menachem in the northern basin logged 15.9 mm, Tiberias 10.3 mm and Tzemach in the southern basin 14.4 mm.
What’s in store in the coming days?
On Friday night, intermittent rain is expected, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms in northern and central Israel, with the heaviest activity focused on central areas and the northern Negev. Flooding remains a concern in the coastal plain and the lowland region (the Shephelah), and flash floods are possible in the Judean Desert and along the Dead Sea.
Throughout the day, occasional local showers will continue in central Israel and the northern Negev. Isolated thunderstorms are still possible through midday, with localized flooding risks — especially in the southern coastal plain.
Flash flooding may occur in the wadis (riverbeds) of the Judean Desert and Dead Sea. Precipitation should weaken during the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to remain slightly below seasonal norms, particularly in the highlands and inland areas. On Saturday, light drizzle to occasional local showers are still possible.
Sunday is expected to be dry, but rain is forecast to return on Monday. According to the latest forecast from the Israel Meteorological Service, Monday will see local rain from the north to the Negev, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. Rainfall is expected to intensify in the afternoon, raising a mild flash flood risk in eastern wadis. Light rain is also expected to continue into Tuesday.
Flooding, rescues and searches
Heavy rainfall has already caused significant flooding in Yavne, Sderot and Nahariya. In Yavne, flooding struck in the afternoon, and 14 people in submerged vehicles were rescued. In Nahariya, residents were urged to stay indoors after a localized storm cell brought 20–30 mm of rain in a short period in the Acre–Nahariya area.
In the evening, heavy rains reached Sderot, where vehicles were seen stranded in floodwaters and a utility pole exploded. A stretch of Route 232 between Be’erotayim and I’bim was closed due to flooding in the Shikma River.
Flooding in Sderot
(Video: from social media)
A stretch of Route 232 closed due to flooding in the Shikma River
(Video: from social media)
The stormy conditions also caused a tree to fall on a car in Holon, injuring a 32‑year‑old woman who was taken to the hospital in stable condition. In the Park Darom area of Tel Aviv, a vehicle sank in an open field; paramedics treated the two young occupants for minor injuries, and neither required hospitalization.
In the Jerusalem Hills, a driver and passenger were rescued after becoming trapped by a flash flood. They were able to exit their vehicle and reach higher ground but could not drive away; fire crews were dispatched to assist. Fire and rescue control also received a report of a jeep that sank near the Beit Zayit dam. Search teams were sent to the area, but after completing their sweep with no signs of the vehicle, the search was called off.