First major winter storm hits Israel

Winter storm “Byron” made landfall in Israel on Wednesday after pummeling Greece, bringing unusually heavy rainfall expected to last through Friday.

Most of the precipitation—forecast to reach four to six inches in some areas—is expected to fall in the coastal plain and the Judean Foothills, though rain is anticipated nationwide.

The heaviest rainfall is expected on Thursday, Kan News reported, adding that there are “serious concerns” about possible flooding, including in the Judean Desert, Dead Sea area and the Arava.

The weather system was already producing substantial rainfall into Wednesday. Heavy rain drenched northern and central Israel overnight, with Zikhron Yaakov topping national totals at 77 millimeters (3 inches), according to local measurements. Ein Carmel recorded 68 millimeters (2.7 inches) and Haifa 60 millimeters (2.4 inches). Mount Hermon was covered in snow.

The rain spread south overnight, bringing 35–40 millimeters (1.4–1.6 inches) to Tel Aviv and about 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) to Ashdod. Jerusalem saw 10.8 millimeters (0.4 inches), Safed 15.3 millimeters (0.6 inches), Beersheba 3.6 millimeters (0.1 inches), while no rain was recorded at Sodom.

According to Israel Hayom, a shuttle carrying children became stuck in an underpass in Zikhron Yaakov during heavy rain. All passengers were safely rescued and no injuries were reported. Lightning struck a tree in Bnei Brak, sparking a fire, according to Kan News.

A Greek Aegean Airlines flight bound for Israel briefly entered Lebanese airspace Wednesday after being diverted due to weather conditions, according to Israel’s Airports Authority. The agency said the jet, which was under the supervision of air traffic control in Nicosia, altered its route to ensure passenger safety. The flight from Larnaca, Cyprus to Tel Aviv passed over Beirut. The incident was first reported by Israel’s Channel 12 News.

Byron is also expected to bring strong winds of 35 to 50 miles per hour.

The season’s first major winter storm was named by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service on Dec. 4. In the hardest-hit areas of Greece, streets turned into rivers, homes and businesses flooded, vehicles were submerged, and major highways were shut down.

All schools in the affected regions were temporarily closed and public services suspended as nearly 10 inches of precipitation fell in Athens over the course of roughly 24 hours, according to local reports.

Israel’s Health Ministry issued guidelines Wednesday urging hospitals and health maintenance organizations to prepare for severe winter weather brought by Byron. The ministry emphasized the need to maintain continuous medical services throughout the weather event while ensuring healthcare facilities remain operational.

Health officials are particularly concerned about vulnerable populations, including elderly residents and families with infants and young children.

The ministry warned that hypothermia in elderly people can be difficult to detect in early stages, as affected individuals may not shiver or complain of feeling cold. Officials are urging family members and neighbors to conduct daily welfare checks on elderly residents living alone, watching for warning signs including cold skin, discoloration, confusion or breathing changes that require immediate medical attention.

Wednesday’s windy weather and fears of rainwater and sewage contamination prompted the Health Ministry to issue a warning advising bathers on Israeli beaches against swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.

Additional information is available on the Health Ministry website.