Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and powerful winds have been besieging Israel over the past two days, from the north of the country down to the northern Negev Desert.
The Sea of Galilee rose seven centimeters (2.7″) in rains that fell between Thursday and Friday.
Over half a meter (19.7″) of snow fell on the higher slopes of Mount Hermon, situated at an elevation of 2,040 meters (6,690 feet) in the Golan Heights. Some 35-40 centimeters (13.8″-15.7″) dusted the lower slopes. The mountain is the site of Israel’s only ski resort, which is currently closed to visitors. Continued snowfall is expected.
Temperatures remain unseasonably chilly today, ranging between 6-10 C (42-50 F) in Jerusalem, 12-15 C (55-60 F)in Tel Aviv, 15-21 C (59-61 F) in the Dead Sea region, and 4-8 C (39-46 F) in Tsfat, the highest city of the Galilee at 900 m (3,000 ft), which according to legend was founded by a son of Noah after the Great Flood.
The Israel Meteorological Service is warning of increased chances of flooding by eastern streams, as well as along the Mediterranean coastline. An ‘high sea’ advisory of moderate to rough conditions with ‘significant wave height from 180 to 300 centimeters (70.86-118.11”) is in effect over the next 24 hours.
The harsh weather claimed the life of Omri Abu-Ganeb, whose body was recovered by search and rescue services today. The 16-year-old was swept away when he drove an ATV through a surging stream near the Druze village of Yarka in northern Israel yesterday.