Jerusalem, 13 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Heavy rain, strong winds and localized flooding struck Israel overnight and into Tuesday as a winter storm swept across the country, disrupting transportation, causing property damage and prompting multiple emergency rescues. Meteorological officials said the system is expected to gradually weaken later in the day, with unsettled weather continuing through the end of the week.
Rainfall totals varied widely, with some of the heaviest precipitation recorded in northern and central areas. Majdal Shams, in the northern Golan Heights, reported about 60 millimeters of rain, while Jerusalem received 41 millimeters. Haifa recorded 27 millimeters and Tel Aviv 22 millimeters. Snow fell on Mount Hermon, accumulating to roughly 15 centimeters overnight, leading authorities to keep the ski site closed to visitors until at least Thursday.
The Israel Meteorological Service said large amounts of rain fell overnight in the Judean Mountains, the Judean Plain and the northern Golan Heights, with additional heavy showers expected in the central highlands and the Judean Plain during the day. Flooding was reported in streams flowing toward the Dead Sea, and forecasters warned of continued flood risks in desert areas. At the same time, the service noted that the peak of the strong winds had already passed and no further intensification was expected.
Wind gusts overnight reached extreme levels along the coast, with speeds of about 100 kilometers per hour. A peak gust of 103 kilometers per hour was recorded in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon. In Tel Aviv, gusts reached 85 kilometers per hour, while winds of more than 80 kilometers per hour were measured in Hadera, Haifa Bay and other coastal areas. Jerusalem recorded gusts of up to 65 kilometers per hour.
The severe conditions caused widespread damage.
One of the most serious incidents occurred in the village of Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem, where firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. The driver called emergency services after water reached the level of the car windows. The woman briefly lost consciousness after being rescued and was taken to hospital, where her condition was described as mild. Fire and rescue officials urged the public not to enter flooded roads or flowing water, stressing the risk to life.
In Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, a wall of an ancient winery collapsed onto several parked cars. No one was injured in the incident. Mayor Raz Kinstlich said residents narrowly avoided a serious disaster. “Fortunately, no disaster occurred. I’m glad the residents are disciplined and not hanging around outside,” he said. “This is an event that cannot be defined as anything other than a great miracle.”
Emergency medical services reported several minor injuries across the country caused by falling trees and windblown objects. In Rishon LeZion, a woman suffered a minor leg injury from a falling branch. In Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, a man sustained a minor head injury when a tree fell, while another woman was lightly hurt by a flying object in a commercial area north of Tel Aviv. In Nahariya, in northern Israel, part of a restaurant building collapsed, but no injuries were reported.
Flooding led police to close major roads, including Highway 90 south of Ein Gedi along the Dead Sea, a key route for traffic in the area. Several vehicles were reported trapped in flooded sections of road, including at the Naomi Shemer Tunnel at the eastern entrance to Jerusalem.
Air travel was also affected, with all flights from Haifa Airport canceled due to the weather. Air Haifa said it was working to offer alternative arrangements to passengers.
Forecasters said rain is expected to gradually ease later Tuesday, with lighter, more localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern areas. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly toward the end of the week as the storm system moves out.
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