Storm Byron Batters Israel, Prompts IDF Restrictions Amid Airport Baggage System Failure

Storm Byron Unleashes Torrential Weather Across Israel

Storm Byron made landfall in Israel around December 10, 2025, after previously impacting Greece and Cyprus. The severe winter storm brought with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant flood risks across the country. Forecasts predicted 10-20 centimeters (4-8 inches) of rain in some areas, with winds reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph).

Coastal and central regions experienced the brunt of the precipitation, with Zikhron Yaakov recording 77 millimeters, Ein Carmel 68 mm, and Haifa 60 mm. Tel Aviv saw 35-40 mm, and Jerusalem received 10.8 mm. The Israel Meteorological Service issued warnings for widespread flooding, particularly in the coastal plain and lowlands, and flash floods in desert areas like the Negev and Judean deserts. Emergency services were on high alert, and the Health Ministry issued public guidance for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children.

IDF Implements Precautionary Measures

In response to the escalating weather conditions, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took significant precautionary measures to ensure the safety of its personnel. The IDF Home Front Command was placed on high alert, ready to assist emergency services. Following an assessment, soldiers stationed in remote bases in the south were released for their weekend furlough early, on Wednesday instead of Thursday or Friday, to facilitate their safe return home amidst expected flooding.

Furthermore, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir issued new safety guidelines and restrictions for the entire military. These guidelines prohibited soldiers from leaving their bases for weekend furlough from Wednesday 8 p.m. until at least Friday 6 a.m. Logistical movements within the military also required approval from a colonel or a corps commander.

Ben-Gurion Airport Faces Separate Disruptions

Concurrently with Storm Byron's impact, Ben-Gurion Airport's Terminal 3 experienced a significant technical malfunction in its baggage-sorting system on Wednesday morning. This led to widespread disruptions, creating long lines and considerable delays for departing passengers. Airport staff were forced to switch to manual loading protocols to manage the backlog of luggage.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) explicitly clarified that this baggage system breakdown was 'not connected to Storm Byron', despite the storm affecting other parts of the country. Technical teams were deployed to address the issue, and an alternative workflow was implemented. While the baggage system malfunction was unrelated to the storm, one flight bound for Tel Aviv was reportedly rerouted due to Storm Byron before safely landing at Ben-Gurion.

Ongoing Warnings and Regional Concerns

As Storm Byron continued, warnings remained in place for strong winds and high waves, with authorities advising against swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. The storm also raised humanitarian concerns in the Gaza Strip, where officials warned of a potential catastrophe for displaced families living in fragile shelters, with fears of flooding and collapses of makeshift structures.