Storm Byron approached coastal Israel Monday night, bringing with it heavy rain, lightning and warnings from the Israel Meteorological Service, with the storm expected to fully hit the country on Wednesday.
The storm, which is bearing down on Israel after it battered Greece and Cyprus, will bring with it some 10-20 centimeters (4-8 inches) of rain, heavy winds and severe flood risk in much of the country, the weather service said.
While some heavy rain hit the coast Monday night, Tuesday is forecasted to be relatively clear and sunny, with the precipitation expected to come in full force the next day.
The storm wreaked havoc in the two eastern Mediterranean countries last week and over the weekend, with severe floods and winds causing school closures and warnings against nonessential travel.
The storm caused widespread property damage, though no casualties were reported in either Greece or Cyprus.
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As Byron now sets its sights on Israel, the weather service cautioned against traveling to flood-prone areas, especially in the Negev and Judean deserts, and residents of the entire country were warned to prepare for difficult weather conditions and potential flooding.
Illustrative: View of the sea in Tel Aviv during a storm on February 6, 2023. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)
High levels of precipitation are expected in coastal and central areas, with rainfall and strong winds throughout the country.
The meteorological service advised against swimming in the Mediterranean due to high waves and severe tidal changes.
While Israel will face heavy rainfall, Greece and Cyprus took the brunt of Byron’s punch, and the storm is expected to pass through Israel by Friday, with Wednesday night and Thursday being the worst of it.
Israel, Greece and Cyprus began jointly naming storms in 2021 as part of increased regional cooperation.
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