Israel braces for severe rain, possible flooding, up to 70 mph winds in some areas

The latest bout of severe weather arrives just weeks after Storm Byron, which hammered Israel’s coastline last month with strong winds and rough seas.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Rain and high winds disrupted activity across northern and central Israel on Friday as a fast-moving winter system swept in from the Mediterranean, triggering safety warnings, transportation concerns, and a renewed alert for flooding in vulnerable areas.

The first wave reached the north Thursday spreading south, setting off a series of advisories from emergency services and meteorologists.

Coastal cities and lowland communities are facing some of the strongest wind conditions so far this year, with steady speeds approaching 60 km/h (37 mph).

Mountain regions reported even harsher gusts, climbing to 70 km/h (43 mph) and occasionally escalating toward 100 km/h (62 mph).

The rising winds have turned the sea hazardous, forcing authorities to caution swimmers and small-craft operators to stay off the water until conditions stabilize.

Intermittent thunderstorms and heavy local showers affected travel routes throughout the day, reaching from the Galilee down to the northern Negev.

Flash-flood alerts were issued for the wadis near the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea, areas that often respond rapidly to even moderate rainfall. Temperatures dropped sharply as the system moved inland, though they remained within normal winter ranges.

On Saturday, northern districts and the coastal plain are likely to see the heaviest evening activity.

Sunday is projected to bring a short reprieve, though morning showers may still slow activity in the north before another system arrives Monday.

The latest bout of severe weather arrives just weeks after Storm Byron, which hammered Israel’s coastline last month with strong winds and rough seas, leaving municipalities on alert as the winter pattern continues.