Record Rainfall Triggers Severe Flooding Across Sharon Region and Nazareth

A record-breaking downpour struck the Sharon region on Saturday afternoon, with 117 millimeters of rain falling in just an hour and a quarter at the local meteorological station in Kadima. The extreme weather caused widespread flooding, prompting local authorities to urge residents to stay indoors.

Following the heavy rainfall that triggered flooding across Kadima-Zoran, the local council called on citizens to avoid non-essential travel. Emergency crews, in cooperation with the police, fire and rescue services, and local water authorities, were deployed to the field to clear blocked roads and drain accumulated water. Meanwhile, in the northern city of Nazareth, an elementary school was flooded, forcing the evacuation of students from their classrooms.

Kadima-Zoran Council Head Keren Green commented on the severe conditions:

«We are dealing with exceptionally high amounts of rain in a very short period of time. Our teams are working in the field alongside all emergency forces to address flooding and hazards. I urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, stay away from flooded areas, and report any hazards to the municipal hotline.»

The dramatic shift in weather follows a spell of dry heat earlier in the week. Significant rainfall totals were recorded nationwide: Ashdod port registered 89 mm, Ashkelon saw 61 mm, Binyamina recorded 72 mm, Zichron Yaakov logged 37 mm, Haifa reached 33 mm, Hadera hit 55 mm, and Tel Aviv recorded 42 mm at the coastal station alongside 30 mm in the south.

Meteorologists note that the unsettled weather will persist into Sunday with occasional showers, though the system is expected to gradually weaken. Temperatures will remain lower than seasonal averages, with stabilization anticipated later in the week.