117mm in 75 minutes: Record rainfall hits Israel, causing floods and power outages

The storm system that peaked on Saturday broke an hourly rainfall record in the Sharon region, dumping 117 millimeters of rain in just one hour and 15 minutes, triggering flooding across central Israel and flash floods in southern streams. Following a rainy night, the storm intensified over Saturday morning and early afternoon. According to data from the Israel Meteorological Service, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in the Sharon region, although significant amounts also fell along the central and southern coastal plains.

In Kadima-Tzoran, where the unusually heavy rainfall was recorded, residents were asked to stay home unless absolutely necessary and to keep away from nearby streams, where flash floods were documented. Flooding was also reported in Even Yehuda following the heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, flash floods were recorded in streams across southern Israel as a result of the winter storm. Most of Saturday's rainfall was concentrated along the central and southern coastal plains, where concerns over additional flooding remain.

In addition to the exceptional rainfall recorded in Kadima-Tzoran, significant amounts were measured in several communities across the country: By 2:00 p.m., Ashdod had received no less than 87 millimeters of rain, followed by Kvutzat Yavne with 68 millimeters and Shavei Zion with 48 millimeters. Tel Aviv recorded 42 millimeters, Zichron Yaakov 37 millimeters, Haifa and Ashkelon 33 millimeters each, and Jerusalem 30 millimeters. However, in the Ashdod area, the stormy weather also caused significant disruptions to the electricity supply.

A regional fault in the electricity infrastructure led to prolonged power outages, leaving residents of Moshav Bitzaron and parts of Gan Yavne without electricity for over 18 hours. Localized outages were also reported in Ashdod itself. Alongside the flooding and flash floods, the rainfall also brought unusual sights in nature. At the Hermon Stream-Banias Nature Reserve, orange salamanders were spotted emerging in response to the winter weather.

The salamanders, also known as fire salamanders, are recognizable by their distinctive warning colors. Two poison glands located behind their heads secrete a toxin called samandarin, and their bright coloring serves as a warning to potential predators. Following the peak of the storm on Saturday, occasional light rain is expected in northern and central Israel on Sunday. Another change in the weather is forecast for Monday, with conditions typical of spring and fall, and strong winds along the coastal plain.

Meanwhile, following the flash floods recorded in streams across the country, residents in affected areas are still being urged to stay away from streambeds and avoid leaving home unnecessarily.