A powerful winter storm swept across Israel on Sunday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and snowfall, with flooding expected to intensify through Monday as the system deepens.
Rainfall has been recorded from the North to the northern Negev, prompting flood warnings for riverbeds in the South and East. Snow is expected on Mount Hermon, and winds are forecast to strengthen across much of the country.
Conditions on Sunday remained cold and rainy, with isolated thunderstorms possible in the morning. Rainfall was expected to weaken during the afternoon but resume and intensify overnight, especially in northern and central regions. The system's peak is forecast for Monday, with particularly stormy weather expected.
Strong westerly winds are likely to affect most areas, accompanied by intermittent rain and thunderstorms in the north and center. Authorities have expressed concern over potential flooding in the coastal plain and central highlands, as well as flash floods in the Judean Desert and riverbeds around the Dead Sea. Hazy conditions are expected in the South.
Emergency incidents were already reported over the weekend. Firefighters from the Southern District rescued a couple and their child after the family became trapped in their vehicle on Route 80 due to flooding.
The rescue operation was conducted under challenging terrain conditions using specialized equipment. The family was transported for medical evaluation and was reported to be in good condition.
Despite the heavy rainfall, the storm has had only a minor effect on the water level of the Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee). According to the Water Authority, the level rose by just one centimeter over the previous 24 hours, reaching 213.415 meters below sea level.
The lake remains 41.5 centimeters below the lower red line and 4.615 meters short of its maximum capacity. On the same date last year, the level was 2.06 meters higher.
Expected rainfall and temperatures
Rainfall forecasts for Sunday and Monday estimate that Jerusalem and Beersheba will receive between 25 and 35 millimeters. Tel Aviv, Lod, and Ashdod are expected to receive between 15 and 25 millimeters. Haifa and other northern areas are likely to receive between five and 15 millimeters.Forecast temperatures for Sunday and Sunday night include nine to 11 degrees in Jerusalem, 15 to 17 degrees in Tel Aviv, 14 to 15 degrees in Haifa, 11 to 16 degrees in Beersheba, and 14 to 21 degrees in Eilat.
A lull in activity is expected on Tuesday with partly cloudy skies and the possibility of local light rain. A slight rise in temperatures is forecast for Wednesday in central and southern Israel.
A weekend of floods and a surprise in the Sea of Galilee: The stream that broke a 25-year record
While the weekend storm appeared routine in some areas, data from the Water Authority and Israel Meteorological Service indicate unusually intense conditions, particularly in the South.
Majdal Shams recorded the highest national rainfall total, with 61 millimeters. However, this did not result in significant runoff, as northern regions generally require approximately 200 millimeters of rainfall for substantial streamflow. In the Kinneret basin, a modest three-centimeter rise was recorded, attributed mostly to direct rainfall on the lake rather than stream inflow.
In the Negev and Judean Desert, dramatic flooding was observed. Near Kibbutz Dorot, the Shikma Stream reached a discharge of 130 cubic meters per second. This is considered a rare event that occurs on average once every 25 years.
Further south, rainfall totals exceeded 40 millimeters in areas including Beersheba and Tel Arad. Arad alone received 40 millimeters within 10 hours, causing significant flow surges in two drainage basins. The Beersheba Stream reached a discharge of 236 cubic meters per second. At the same time, the Tze’elim Stream flooded, forcing the closure of Route 90 between Ein Gedi and the hotel area.
Rainfall was widespread, with more than 50 millimeters recorded in areas such as Karmiel, Ofakim, and Migdal Oz. For residents of the northern Negev and the Yatir region, the system marked one of the wettest starts to the year in decades.
Although rain shifted northward in the last 24 hours, with 25.9 millimeters measured in Shavei Zion and 23 millimeters in Harashim, further precipitation is expected early Monday, particularly in the north and center. Authorities have raised renewed concerns about urban flooding. Another significant system is expected to arrive on Thursday.
The Environment and Climate Change portal is produced in cooperation with the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The Jerusalem Post maintains all editorial decisions related to the content.
