Severe Winter Storm Batters Israel, Leaving One Dead and Widespread Disruption

Deadly Impact and Ongoing Search Efforts

A severe winter storm unleashed extreme rainfall, powerful winds, and widespread flooding across Israel between January 12 and January 14, 2026. The tempest claimed at least one life in Jerusalem and prompted an ongoing search for a missing teenager. A woman in her 50s died in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem after being struck by a heavy object as her home became inundated with floodwaters. She was transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. Separately, emergency services are actively searching for a 15-year-old boy who was swept away in a flash flood near Modi'in Illit.

Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage

The storm brought significant precipitation, with Jerusalem recording the highest rainfall at 116.7 millimeters (4.6 inches) from Monday through Tuesday night. Other heavily affected areas included Tzova (107.5 mm), Netiv HaLamed-Heh (94.9 mm), Masu'ot Yitzhak (92.7 mm), and Mevo Beitar (90.6 mm). Powerful winds accompanied the rain, with gusts reaching up to 103 km/h in Ashkelon, 92 km/h in Tel Aviv, and 65 km/h in Jerusalem. This combination led to extensive flooding and damage across the nation:

• Numerous roads were closed, including sections of Highway 90 and the Naomi Shemer Tunnel at the eastern entrance to Jerusalem.
• A historic winery wall collapsed in Rishon LeZion, and fallen trees were reported in locations such as Rosh HaAyin, Netanya, and Pardes Hanna–Karkur.
• Part of a restaurant building collapsed in Nahariya, and a cellphone tower fell in Ashkelon.
• The Hatzor Air Base also experienced flooding.

Transportation Disruptions and Emergency Response

The severe weather significantly impacted transportation. All flights from Haifa Airport were canceled, and the Airports Authority warned of potential delays at Ben Gurion and Ramon airports. Emergency services conducted numerous rescue operations, freeing individuals trapped in flooded vehicles in areas like Abu Ghosh, Nahal Anava, Mishmar David, Sha'ar Hagai, Kiryat Malachi, and Tzomet Emunim. Snowfall was recorded in Gush Etzion and on Mount Hermon, where approximately 15 centimeters accumulated, leading to the closure of the ski site.

Official Warnings and Continued Vigilance

The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) had issued red alerts ahead of the storm, with Director Dr. Amir Givati cautioning that the country was facing an 'exceptionally severe 24-hour period' and urging the public to 'significantly reduce outdoor activities.' Authorities continue to advise residents to exercise caution, particularly in flood-prone areas and near waterways, as the region gradually recovers from the intense weather event.