Storm "Byron" has already unleashed heavy precipitation across Israel's coastal regions. Between yesterday and the morning hours, approximately 60–70 mm (2.4–2.8 inches) of rain fell in the Zichron Yaakov, Haifa, and Carmel areas. Zichron Yaakov currently leads the national rainfall table with 77 mm (3 inches), followed by Ein Carmel with 73 mm (2.9 inches) and Haifa with 60 mm (2.4 inches). Overnight, the rainfall system migrated south toward the center of the country, focusing on Gush Dan (Greater Tel Aviv area).
The rain is expected to continue throughout the day, intensifying significantly by noon – and particularly tomorrow – bringing high-intensity downpours and a risk of inundation. Localized rain remains possible in the southern Negev. Authorities have flagged a risk of flash floods in the streams of the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the northern Arava, alongside a severe risk of flooding along the Coastal Plain and the Shfela (Lowlands). Conditions will include strong, gusty winds, and temperatures will dip below the seasonal average.
Video: Storm Byron in Israel / Credit: Omri Zinger, Moshe Ben Simchon
Minute by minute – all the updates
5:45 a.m. | Starting this morning (Thursday), temperatures will drop below the seasonal average. Rain accompanied by thunderstorms will fall intermittently from northern Israel to the northern Negev, with light rain possible in the southern Negev. Furthermore, there is a risk of flash floods in the Judean Desert, Dead Sea, and northern Arava streams, and a severe risk of urban flooding along the Coastal Plain and in the Shfela (Lowlands). Strong wind gusts are likely.
11:08 p.m. | Municipalities across the country have raised their alert level to "full storm protocol" in anticipation of the weather system. Operational units specializing in drainage, infrastructure, enforcement, and security have been reinforced and placed on standby to handle flooding, road blockages, and debris removal. Pumping crews and heavy engineering equipment have been deployed, underground passage systems inspected, and municipal call centers are operating on an emergency footing. The public is urged to avoid crossing flooded roads on foot or by vehicle, to secure loose objects susceptible to strong winds, and to avoid entering basements or underground parking garages during flood events.
10:24 p.m. | Update from Netivei Israel (National Transport Infrastructure Company): Road 40 has been closed to traffic in both directions from Tzihor Junction to the entrance of Mitzpe Ramon due to flooding.
