Israel braces for strong winds, high gusts; flood warnings issued

Israel is expected to experience strong southwesterly winds reaching up to 50 kph, with gusts potentially hitting 70 kph, throughout Saturday afternoon. The Meteorological Service issued a Yellow Warning, effective from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., covering most regions, including the coastline, Golan Heights, Judean Foothills, northern Samaria, and the Negev.

The high winds pose several risks, including difficult driving conditions, the possibility of power outages, and falling trees. Aviation is also affected, with advisories issued for Ben-Gurion, Herzliya, Haifa, and Rosh Pina airports concerning temporary wind and gust conditions for arriving and departing aircraft.

Adding to the weather concerns, a High Sea Swimming Danger Orange Warning is in effect for the Israeli coastline until 10:00 p.m. Swimmers are cautioned about waves reaching up to 2 meters and increasing. The warning highlights significant risks such as drowning, injury, being pulled out to sea, and capsizing for small boats, with even larger vessels facing the danger of running aground near the shore.

These warnings follow a forecast predicting an unusual rain event over the weekend that could cause flooding across Israel. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority has heightened its readiness in anticipation of the storm's peak, expected overnight between Saturday and Sunday. Rainfall is forecast to be heaviest along the northern coast, in the Sharon region, the greater Tel Aviv area, and the Shfela, potentially reaching 20-30 millimeters, accompanied by lightning and hail.