Israel to face strong winds, high gusts throughout Saturday afternoon, Meteorological Service warns

Israel is expected to face strong winds on Saturday afternoon, up to 50 kph, with gusts up to 70 kph, according to a Yellow Warning from the Meteorological Service.

The warning, which lasts from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., noted that the southwesterly winds are forecast to affect most of the country, including the entire coastline, the Golan Heights, Judean Foothills, northern Samaria, and the Negev.

The Meteorological Service advised the public of the risks posed by the high winds, including difficult driving conditions, power failures, and falling trees.

In addition, the Ben-Gurion Airport, Herzliya Airport, Haifa Airport, and Rosh Pina Airport Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) noted temporary wind and gust advisories for arriving and departing aircraft.

A High Sea Swimming Danger Orange Warning was further issued for the Israeli coastline until 10:00 p.m., advising of waves as high as 2 meters and increasing.

According to the Meteorological Service, the significant risks associated with the warning include drowning, injury, being carried out to sea, and capsizing for small boats, with even large boats facing the risk of running aground near shore.

Weekend rain, flood warnings issued across Israel

The warnings by the Meteorological Service follow a forecast published by Walla on Friday warning of an unusual rain event expected to cause flooding in Israel during the weekend, with the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority reinforcing its forces in preparation.

Fire Commissioner Tafser Eyal Caspi instructed all districts to move to heightened readiness ahead of the storm's peak, expected overnight between Saturday and Sunday, following a situation assessment held on Thursday.

The Walla forecast noted that the rainfall, which will be highest along the northern coast, in the Sharon region, the greater Tel Aviv area, and the Shfela, may reach as high as 20-30 millimeters, with further warnings of lightning and hail.