Rain intensified again Thursday across Israel as Storm Byron pushed across the country, triggering widespread flooding from the northern coastline to the Shfela and the northern Negev. The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) kept its red warning in place for the central and southern coastal plain and the Shfela, saying 100 to 150 millimeters of rain were expected through 22:00. An orange flood warning was issued for the same areas.
Yavne recorded some of the strongest flooding of the day. Streets filled within minutes as powerful rain cells moved inland. A teenager trapped in a car with his mother and sister described the sudden rise of water. “A crazy amount of water fell on us,” he said. “The water began entering the car and it stopped responding. We were wet and very cold.” A Magen David Adom team rescued them after about 10 minutes. Crews rescued 14 people from eight locations across the city, all in good condition.
Flooding in Baqa al-Gharbiya
A Rami Levy supermarket in Yavne flooded, leaving aisles under water. Several homes also saw water intrusion, and a fence collapsed in one neighborhood. Mayor Roi Gabay briefly declared an emergency and asked residents to stay indoors, later reporting that all roads had reopened after water levels subsided.
Ashdod recorded 13 millimeters in 10 minutes. Rishon Lezion saw 40 millimeters in two hours, and a large tree collapsed in an elementary school yard. Two 10-year-old girls were lightly injured and taken to Shamir Medical Center. Heavy rain also hit the northern coastal plain with expected flooding around Zichron Yaakov.
Flooding in Yavne
Rain spread inland during the afternoon, pushing into the Dead Sea watershed. Police closed Highway 90 from Nahal David Junction to the Dead Sea hotel district due to flooding.
Nationwide rainfall totals continue to rise
From the Lebanon border to Mitzpe Ramon, overnight rainfall remained widespread. The highest cumulative total since Saturday was reported at the Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve with 205 millimeters, including 94 in the previous day. Atlit recorded 193 millimeters across three days, including 93 in the last 24 hours.
In Ein Carmel near Atlit, 49 millimeters fell overnight, bringing its total since the start of the system to 165 millimeters. Stations in Haifa, Zichron Yaakov, Nahariya and Shavei Zion all passed 100 millimeters. The Technion measured 32 millimeters, the University of Haifa 26, Acre 13, Ein Afek Nature Reserve 12 and Nahariya 9. Around the Sea of Galilee, 4 millimeters were measured in Tiberias and the lake level rose 0.5 centimeters.
Flooding in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Central Israel saw far lower amounts overnight—Tel Aviv stations recorded under 2 millimeters and Jerusalem remained dry—but totals surged by midday as the storm’s peak arrived. Between noon and 15:00, Jerusalem stations recorded 21 to 27 millimeters, with Kibbutz Tzuba measuring 33.5. Ariel recorded 13.3 and Maale Adumim 10.1.
In the northern Negev and the southern coastal plain, rainfall was more substantial. Sderot measured 14 millimeters, Ashkelon Port 11, Ofakim 7 and Beersheba 3.
Snow on Mount Hermon and strong flow at Sa’ar Waterfall
Heavy snow continued at the top of Mount Hermon, though the lower levels and the cable car area remained without snow cover. In the northern Golan, Sa’ar Waterfall surged for the first time this season, drawing visitors despite warnings about dangerous conditions.
A 53-year-old man was found dead overnight in Netanya. ZAKA reported signs of hypothermia, and the body was transferred to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.
Sa'ar waterfall
Dr. Amit Givati, head of the IMS, told the ynet that conditions Thursday marked the peak of the system for central Israel. “There is definitely a danger of flooding,” he said. “Tomorrow will be normal winter weather, and by Saturday this will be behind us.” He stressed that while the rainfall is prolonged and intense, it is not unprecedented. “We need to keep things in proportion.”
Forecast
Rain will continue Friday from northern Israel to the northern Negev. A few thunderstorms are possible through midday, and the risk of flooding remains in the central and southern coastal plain and the Shfela, as well as flash floods in the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea region. Rain is expected to weaken in the afternoon. Temperatures will remain slightly below average, especially inland and in the mountains.
Saturday will be partly cloudy to cloudy with light, local rain still possible in northern and central Israel. Temperatures will rise slightly to seasonal norms. No major change is expected Sunday.
The IDF said bases would remain locked down until Friday morning, with service members not permitted to leave from Thursday evening until 6 a.m. Friday.
First published: 14:24, 12.11.25