Ministry Services

Israel prepares for the arrival of the great winter storm “Carmel”

By Mark C. Anderson

Israel was preparing for the onset of a major winter storm dubbed “Carmel” on Sunday, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing severe disruption across the country.

Emergency services were preparing for various rescue tasks, while local authorities were preparing back-up generators and cutting vegetation near power lines to avoid blackouts when the storm hit land on Monday.

Police and firefighters have warned the public to refrain from unnecessary travel during the storm, which is expected to last until Wednesday. They also urged the Israelis to avoid underground parking lots and other areas susceptible to flooding, as rainfall of up to 150 millimeters (nearly six inches) is expected in some places.

In addition to the precipitation, the meteorological depression was expected to bring gale force winds and high seas.

“We are facing difficult days and levels of precipitation which will pose dangers,” Public Safety Minister Omer Barlev said after organizing an assessment with emergency and security officials. “Emergency forces will be ready to meet challenges and surprises.

“I ask Israeli citizens to take care of you,” he added.

Illustration: A beach in Tel Aviv on a stormy day, February 17, 2021 (Miriam Alster / Flash90)

Citing the storm, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) urged Israelis not to visit national parks and forests until Friday, while the Education Ministry announced the cancellation of all school hikes and other outdoor activities during the storm.

The ministry also said in-person classes would not be held at educational institutions located in areas at risk of flooding.

Sunday’s preparations came amid a lull in stormy weather after heavy rains and winds hit parts of Israel on Saturday, when a homeless man in Tel Aviv died of hypothermia.

The Carmel weather system received its nickname from a team of Israeli meteorologists in collaboration with their Greek and Cypriot counterparts. The storm first hit Greece and Cyprus, before heading towards Israel.

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Mark C. Anderson
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