Israel braces for unusual weekend storm with flood warnings

Israel is bracing for an unusual weather system this weekend, prompting heightened alert from authorities concerned about potential flooding and flash floods. The Israel Fire and Rescue Authority has placed its forces on reinforced readiness following a situation assessment, anticipating the storm's peak intensity overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

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An unprecedented rain event for this time of year.

Forecasts indicate wind gusts of 40-50 kph starting Saturday morning, with a significant shift in weather conditions expected later in the day. The storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and hail, particularly along the northern coast, the Sharon region, the greater Tel Aviv area, and the Shfela. Some coastal areas could experience 20-30 millimeters of rain within a short period, raising concerns about urban flooding in coastal cities.

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According to the Meteorological Service, this is a significant rain event.

Meteorological Service Director Dr. Amir Givati described the expected system as an "unprecedented rain event for this time of year," noting that the weather could resemble autumn conditions, with some areas receiving double-digit rainfall amounts. This is considered a significant event by the Meteorological Service.

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This event goes beyond a localized incident, it is a warning sign regarding the intensive measures that need to be taken in the area to prevent flooding.

Eric Leibovitz, CEO of the Yarkon Drainage and Streams Authority, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the event goes beyond a localized incident and serves as a warning sign for the need for intensive measures to prevent flooding. He highlighted concerns about urban neighborhoods' ability to contain the water, particularly in the greater Tel Aviv area, where infrastructure like Ayalon is already operating at reduced capacity, increasing the risk of frequent closures due to flooding.

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In practice, Ayalon is closed today once every 10 years, but now with the current situation, where one-third of Ayalon's capacity is reduced, we expect that Ayalon will be closed close to once every three or four years.