A powerful winter storm brought heavy rainfall across much of Israel this week, with Jerusalem topping the charts for precipitation. Widespread flooding, property damage, rescues and snowfall were reported as emergency services scrambled to respond.
From Monday through Tuesday night, Jerusalem’s weather station recorded 116.7 millimeters (4.6 inches) of rain, the highest total in the country. Nearby Tzova, also in the Jerusalem Hills, followed with 107.5 mm. Other high totals included 94.9 mm in Netiv HaLamed-Heh (south of Beit Shemesh), 92.7 mm in Masu’ot Yitzhak (east of Ashkelon), and 90.6 mm in Mevo Beitar.
While the capital saw the most rain, the storm affected nearly all parts of the country. Notable amounts included 71.4 mm in Ariel, 64.9 mm in Merom Golan, 50.6 mm in Karnei Shomron and nearly 50 mm in cities like Nazareth and Karmiel. Rainfall was lighter in the south and coastal areas, with just 0.4 mm in Mitzpe Ramon, 6.6 mm in Arad and 17.1 mm in Be'er Sheva.
The Israel Meteorological Service reported exceptional water flow in the Sorek and Lachish streams, levels not seen since major storms in 2013–14 and 1991–92. Snowfall was recorded in northern Israel and the Gush Etzion region near Jerusalem.
In one tragic incident, a 15-year-old boy went missing after being swept away in a flash flood near Modi’in Illit. His friend managed to escape. Search efforts are ongoing.
The heavy rains also forced the closure of parts of Highway 90 and other major roads, including Naomi Shemer Tunnel at Jerusalem’s eastern entrance. Flights from Haifa were canceled, and the Beit Zayit Dam overflowed, prompting the evacuation of a nearby agricultural school.
Rescue teams responded to dozens of emergency calls across the country: in Abu Ghosh, a man and woman were rescued from a submerged car; a 32-year-old man was pulled from floodwaters near the Emunim Junction; two people were rescued by boat from a flooded vehicle in Anava Stream; ten families were evacuated from the village of Shtulim near Be’er Tuvia; flooding also occurred in Netanya, Kiryat Malakhi, Highway 4 and at the Hatzerim Air Force Base, though the military reported no operational damage.
Strong winds accompanied the storm, with gusts reaching 105 km/h (65 mph) in Rosh Hanikra and over 100 km/h in Ashkelon, Safed and Gush Etzion. In Tel Aviv and Hadera, wind speeds topped 90 km/h. Falling trees and infrastructure damage were reported across several cities. In Ashkelon, a cellphone tower collapsed, severing a high-voltage line and causing power outages.
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Two people were rescued by boat from a flooded vehicle in Anava Stream
(Photo: Fire and Rescue Services)
Authorities warned of continued hazards as weather conditions remain unstable.
Meanwhile, light rain and slightly warmer temperatures are expected across Israel in the coming days. On Wednesday, occasional light showers are forecast mainly in central Israel and the northern Negev, with partly to mostly cloudy skies. A slight rise in temperatures is expected. Overnight, light rain or drizzle may fall along the southern coastal plain, under continued cloud cover.
Thursday will bring similar conditions, with possible drizzle or light local rain again concentrated in the southern coastal plain. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly once more, remaining under partly to mostly cloudy skies.
Friday will see little change in temperatures, and light local rain may fall along the coast. On Saturday morning, local showers are expected again along the coast, spreading to northern and central Israel by midday.
Looking ahead, forecast models — which remain subject to change — indicate the possibility of another significant storm system arriving as early as Sunday.
Forecast temperatures for Wednesday (low-high):
Jerusalem: 7–10°C (45–50°F)
Tel Aviv: 14–16°C (57–61°F)
Haifa: 13–15°C (55–59°F)
Safed: 5–9°C (41–48°F)
Katzrin: 6–13°C (43–55°F)
Tiberias: 9–15°C (48–59°F)
Nazareth: 10–14°C (50–57°F)
Afula: 9–16°C (48–61°F)
Beit She’an: 10–18°C (50–64°F)
Lod: 10–16°C (50–61°F)
Ashdod: 14–16°C (57–61°F)
Ein Gedi: 14–18°C (57–64°F)
Be'er Sheva: 9–14°C (48–57°F)
Mitzpe Ramon: 6–11°C (43–52°F)
Eilat: 12–19°C (54–66°F)