Flash Floods and Snowstorm in Israel: First Responders Urge Caution Amid Weather Warnings

Israel experienced significant weather events over the weekend, with heavy rainfall leading to flash floods in northern regions on Saturday morning. This extreme weather caused damage to infrastructure and led to rescues by first responders. In one case, a person had to be pulled from a flooded vehicle, highlighting the dangers of the current conditions.

While the north dealt with the flooding, the central and southern regions experienced cold weather and strong winds, but with little rainfall. Magen David Adom, Israel's ambulance service, responded to multiple emergencies, including evacuating a homeless man in Tel Aviv who had fainted due to apparent hypothermia. He was found unconscious on HaMasger Street after the cold weather took its toll.

One of the most striking events was the first major snowfall of the season on Mount Hermon in northern Israel. However, the area is currently a closed military zone due to ongoing tensions in Lebanon and Syria, so access is restricted.

In Hadera, emergency responders used a dinghy to reach a 51-year-old woman trapped in her flooded car after attempting to cross a deluged intersection. She was safely transferred to Magen David Adom for care. Meanwhile, in Tiberias, local authorities blocked off a street heavily damaged by floodwaters.

The Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning to the public about the risks of crossing flooded roads, streams, and other water sources, urging people to stay alert and call the fire department in case of an emergency.

Additionally, the Israel Meteorological Service has warned of strong winds in central Israel, with more rainfall expected next week, potentially triggering more flash floods. Although Israel’s rainy season typically runs from December to March, the country has seen relatively little precipitation so far, raising concerns about a potential drought in 2025. The meteorological service has forecast that rainfall this year will reach just 70-80% of its annual average.