Israel experienced a rare midsummer storm on Saturday that brought heavy rain to Jerusalem and the surrounding area, as well as to the Golan Heights, breaking all-time August rainfall records and causing flooding in parts of the Judean Desert.
Ma’ale Adumim received 26 millimeters (1.02 inches) of rain during the day, including 11 millimeters (0.43 inches) in a single hour. It was the most rain ever recorded in the region for the month of August.
It was only the fourth time since measurements began that more than 20 millimeters of rain were recorded anywhere in Israel during the month of August, the Meteorological Service said. Previous instances occurred in the Golan Heights in 2012, Kfar Blum in 1971 and Zichron Yaakov in 1920, according to Channel 12’s chief weather forecaster Ilanit Adler.
Jerusalem received about 5 millimeters of rain in a downpour that lasted a few hours. The total precipitation recorded in Jerusalem for July-August was the highest in some 170 years, the Meteorological Service said. Smaller amounts were also recorded in the Golan Heights.
Rain began falling in northern Israel around 3 p.m. before reaching Jerusalem and surrounding areas shortly after. Heavy rainfall continued in the Jerusalem Hills for several hours, with flooding reported in parts of Ma’ale Adumim. Rescue crews were called to assist residents whose homes were affected.
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Nahal Og, a stream north of the Dead Sea, flooded in what the Meteorological Service said was the first flood ever recorded there at this time of year. Route 90 near the Dead Sea was temporarily closed due to flooding concerns.
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The Israel Nature and Parks Authority urges the public to stay out of flowing streams until water levels completely subside and warned against approaching riverbanks amid flooding.
Further rains were expected Sunday, starting early afternoon in the eastern part of the country. Additional heavy rainfall is likely in the Jordan Valley, Judean Desert and Dead Sea areas, possibly breaking further records.
Due to a risk of flooding in these areas, the public is asked to avoid unnecessary travel there.
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