An unusual summer storm swept across parts of Eretz Yisroel on Shabbos, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning to several regions. The unexpected weather caused flooding in Yerushalayim, prompted rescue operations, and temporarily forced the closure of a major highway amid concerns over flash floods.
Rain fell in Yerushalayim, Maaleh Adumim, and the northern Golan Heights, with some areas receiving significant precipitation despite the middle of the summer season. Maaleh Adumim recorded 18.4 millimeters of rainfall, while Yerushalayim received 2 millimeters. An additional 0.4 millimeters was measured at Mount Bental in the northern Golan Heights.
The downpour led to flooding in several neighborhoods in eastern and southern Yerushalayim. Fire and Rescue Service crews responded to rescue individuals who became trapped by rising waters. Officials urged residents to avoid underground parking garages, basements, and elevators during flooding and warned people to stay away from fast-moving streams and floodwaters.
Meanwhile, Route 90 was shut down in both directions for approximately one hour because of fears that flooding could make travel hazardous along part of the roadway.
Earlier in the day, the Israel Meteorological Service issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and lightning across wide areas of the country, including the northern mountains and valleys, the central mountain region, the Jordan Valley, the Yehudah Desert, the Dead Sea region, the northeastern Negev, and the northern Aravah.
Authorities also banned swimming at Achziv Beach in the western Galil because of dangerous sea conditions, warning that entering the water could pose a serious risk to life.
Forecasters expect additional localized showers on Sunday afternoon, mainly in eastern parts of the country, with continued concern over flash flooding in streams flowing through the Yehudah Desert, the northern Aravah, and the northeastern Negev.
The forecast also calls for a slight drop in temperatures on Monday, providing a brief respite from the summer heat before warmer conditions return to the mountainous and inland regions on Wednesday.
{Matzav.com}
