Israel Braces for Heavy Rain and Flooding as Weekend Storm Approaches

The Israel Meteorological Service has issued a warning ahead of a powerful rain system expected to sweep across the country this weekend, bringing heavy downpours and an increased risk of flooding in coastal and central areas.

According to the forecast, rain will begin Thursday evening and gradually intensify, with the storm expected to peak on Saturday, when particularly heavy rainfall is forecast for central Israel and the surrounding lowland regions.

“A rainy weekend is on its way with high precipitation totals,” the Meteorological Service said in a statement.

Forecasters warned that the greatest concern is not simply the overall amount of rainfall, but the possibility of intense downpours occurring within a short period. Such conditions can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rapid flooding, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

The weather system is expected to reach northern Israel on Thursday evening. By Friday, rain will spread into central Israel, with intermittent showers across both regions. Some areas could experience significantly heavier rainfall.

Conditions are expected to worsen on Saturday, when the storm reaches its peak. The heaviest rain is forecast along Israel's Mediterranean coastline, stretching from the northern coastal region and Mount Carmel through the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, known as Gush Dan, and the central lowlands, extending south toward Lachish and the southern coastal region.

Areas facing an elevated risk of flooding include central coastal cities, the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, the lowlands, and Ashkelon.

According to the Meteorological Service, some locations could receive several dozen millimeters of rain, potentially exceeding an inch, within just a few hours.

When large amounts of rain fall over a short period, urban drainage systems can struggle to cope, increasing the likelihood of flooded roads, streets, and other low-lying areas. The risk is particularly high in built-up neighborhoods where rainwater cannot drain away quickly.

The Meteorological Service stressed that forecasts and warnings may be updated as the weather system develops over the coming days.

Residents are advised to follow official weather updates and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, particularly in areas known to experience flooding.

With the heaviest rainfall expected on Saturday, which coincides with Shabbat, authorities are urging the public to remain alert to changing conditions and take appropriate precautions ahead of the weekend.