Disasters••1 month ago
One Dead, Dozens Rescued as Storm Byron Sweeps Across Israel
One dead, dozens rescued as Storm Byron sweeps across Israel, bringing heavy rain and flash floods. Get urgent updates on the extreme weather impact.
By Pesach Benson • December 11, 2025
Jerusalem, 11 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Storm Byron battered Israel for the second consecutive day on Thursday, bringing heavy rain, flash floods, and icy temperatures that claimed at least one life and caused injuries across the country. Authorities warned that the extreme weather could continue into Friday, with the heaviest downpours expected along the central and southern coastal plains.
From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, the northern regions of Haifa, the Carmel, and Zichron Ya’akov recorded some of the highest rainfall totals. Zichron Ya’akov led the national table with 77 millimeters (3 inches), while Ein Carmel saw 73 millimeters (2.9 inches) and Haifa 60 millimeters (2.4 inches). Mount Hermon and surrounding peaks experienced heavy snowfall, though lower elevations remained snow-free.
The storm pushed south overnight, bringing significant rainfall to central Israel, including Gush Dan and the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. By Thursday, rainfall intensified in the Judean Lowlands and along the central and southern coastline, with local totals reaching up to 200 millimeters (nearly 8 inches) in areas such as the Nahal Ma’arot Nature Reserve and Atlit. Flash flood warnings were issued for streams in the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the northern Arava, while authorities flagged the risk of flooding along the coastal plain.
The storm’s first fatality was in the coastal city of Netanya, where a 53-year-old man was found lifeless in an apartment building with signs of severe hypothermia. ZAKA spokesperson Israel Hasid urged the public to check on vulnerable populations during extreme weather. “Do not ignore the elderly. Pick up the phone and make sure they have the necessary equipment to get through the winter safely. Do not be indifferent.”
The man’s body was taken to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine for further investigation.
Storm Byron also caused injuries and disruptions across the country. Two girls, around 10 years old, were lightly hurt when a tree fell on their schoolyard in Rishon Lezion. In central Israel, multiple vehicles were trapped in rising floodwaters in the Judean Lowlands and coastal towns such as Yavne, with emergency crews working to rescue stranded drivers. Social media footage showed cars submerged above the wheels in the streets of Rehovot.
The Israel Meteorological Service had issued a 24-hour “red warning” for significant precipitation along the central and southern coastline and the Shfela, starting Wednesday at 10 p.m., with rainfall estimates of 100–150 millimeters in affected areas. An “orange warning” was also issued for flooding in the Negev and Judean Desert regions. Overnight temperatures in much of central Israel fell below 10°C (50°F).
Due to the weather, the Israel Defense Forces suspended outdoor training and limited routine security operations to essential activities.
Forecasts indicated that rainfall would gradually weaken midday Friday, with clearer skies and slightly warmer temperatures returning for the weekend, though local showers were still expected in northern and central regions on Saturday.
Source: Pesach Benson
