Full Breakdown
Severe Storm Hits Israel, Causing Injuries and Property Damage
1/10/2026, 5:22:02 AM
Storm Overview and Impact
On Friday, a powerful storm struck Israel, bringing severe winds and heavy rainfall that resulted in injuries and significant property damage across the country. Winds reached up to 105 kilometers per hour in Hadera and 97 kilometers per hour in Tel Aviv, with gusts expected to peak throughout the day. The storm led to localized flooding, particularly in cities like Ashkelon and Bnei Brak, where fallen trees caused injuries and damaged vehicles.
In Ashkelon, a 65-year-old man was moderately injured when his car flipped due to a falling tree branch. Meanwhile, in Bnei Brak, a tree collapsed onto parked and moving vehicles, although no injuries were reported in that incident. Emergency services, including Magen David Adom (MDA), responded to multiple incidents, treating those affected and transporting them to hospitals as needed.
Official Warnings and Public Safety Measures
Authorities, including the Israel Meteorological Service, issued warnings advising the public to avoid flood-prone areas and secure loose objects. Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Israel Meteorological Service, indicated that the storm could lead to significant disruptions, including downed power lines and damaged infrastructure. Former Deputy Fire Commissioner Aharon Godiner emphasized the dangers posed by the storm, advising residents to stay away from beaches due to high waves and potential riptides.
The Tel Aviv municipality issued an unusual alert urging residents to avoid the city's beaches throughout the weekend, citing the risk of extremely high waves reaching up to 10 meters. Godiner also cautioned against using elevators in underground parking garages during the storm, as water could seep into elevator shafts.
Casualties and Damage Reports
The storm resulted in one fatality, with a kitesurfer at Bat Yam beach succumbing to injuries sustained during the storm. Two others were injured while kitesurfing, one critically. In addition to injuries, the storm caused widespread property damage, including fallen trees that struck vehicles and buildings. Rainfall totals varied across the country, with Jerusalem recording the highest amount at 21.3 millimeters by midday.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While reports indicate that the storm caused significant injuries and property damage, there are discrepancies regarding the total number of injuries and the extent of damage across different regions. Some sources report multiple incidents of fallen trees leading to injuries, while others emphasize the miraculous lack of serious injuries in certain areas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Winds will peak from midday into evening along the coast and lowlands,” — Dr. Amir Givati, Head of the Israel Meteorological Service
- “It’s highly recommended to remove any items from balconies and yards, as they could easily be blown away,” — Aharon Godiner, Former Deputy Fire Commissioner
- “Attention — don’t go near the beach during the storm!” — Tel Aviv Municipality Alert
As the storm subsides, authorities continue to monitor conditions and provide updates on safety measures and recovery efforts.
