Winter Storm Sweeps Across Israel, Causing Fatalities and Widespread Disruptions

A powerful winter storm with heavy rains, strong winds, and plummeting temperatures struck Israel overnight on Wednesday, leading to tragic consequences and significant disruptions throughout the country.

In the southern city of Eilat, a woman tragically died of hypothermia at her home. Magen David Adom emergency responders attempted to revive her, but she was unfortunately declared dead at the scene. Similarly, in Bnei Brak, a 95-year-old man was found in critical condition due to hypothermia. He was quickly rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Storm Causes Severe Weather Conditions Across the Country

The storm also caused several accidents and hazards. A driver in the Western Galilee region was injured when a tree fell onto his car on Route 22. Flood warnings were issued for areas near the Dead Sea and the Judean desert, with floodwaters blocking parts of Route 90 on Thursday morning. Additionally, electric poles crashed onto the Begin Expressway in Jerusalem, creating significant traffic disruptions.

As the storm swept through the country, the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon saw snowfall, although conditions were not severe enough to warrant school closures. Jerusalem recorded the highest rainfall, with 51 millimeters falling from Wednesday to Thursday morning.

Cold Snap Follows a Week of Warm Weather

The storm marked a sharp contrast to the relatively warm and sunny conditions that had dominated the week prior. Strong winds reaching over 100 km/h (62 mph) accompanied the rain, creating hazardous conditions. The temperatures across the country dropped significantly, with Jerusalem experiencing temperatures of 8°C (46.4°F), Tel Aviv at 16°C (60.9°F), Haifa at 13°C (55.4°F), and Beersheba also at 13°C (55.4°F).

While rain is expected to ease in the afternoon, the weather will remain cool, with occasional showers forecasted for Friday. Temperatures will rise slightly over the weekend, but more rain and cold temperatures are predicted for next week, according to weather forecasts.