Violent storms swept across Israel on Friday, bringing extremely strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms that caused widespread damage, disrupted air traffic and left one person dead.
Emergency services reported multiple injuries caused by falling trees and flying debris in several cities, while landings at Ben Gurion Airport were delayed as aircraft were forced to circle or divert due to hazardous conditions.
Kitesurfer Killed in Coastal Tragedy
A 46-year-old kitesurfer was killed at Thayo Beach in Bat Yam after being lifted by powerful winds and thrown onto rocks, emergency responders said. Another kitesurfer sustained minor injuries.
Paramedics said the man was found unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Friends who were surfing nearby described chaotic conditions. “We were caught in an extreme wind vortex,” said Ronen Noah, who was with the victim at the time. “He was blown perhaps 200 meters and apparently hit his head on a rock. Dozens of us were in the water, and everyone’s kite was airborne.”
Another surfer said the scene was “like something out of a movie,” as winds hurled surfers through the air.
Fallen Trees Injure Drivers and Pedestrians
Elsewhere, storm damage led to several injuries. In Ashkelon, a man in his mid-60s was moderately injured when the vehicle he was in overturned, apparently after being struck by a falling tree. He was taken to Barzilai Hospital.
In Rishon LeZion, a tree collapsed onto a car, injuring a man in his 40s, who was hospitalized in moderate condition. In Hadera, a pergola blown by the wind struck a girl, causing minor injuries. Trees also fell onto homes and vehicles in Herzliya and Bnei Brak, though no injuries were reported in some of those incidents.
Flights Delayed and Diverted
Strong winds disrupted air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport. By mid-afternoon, more than 10 aircraft were circling while awaiting landing clearance.
A FlyLily flight from Athens was forced to turn back, while an El Al flight from Dubai waited in Jordanian airspace. An Arkia flight from Athens failed to land and was diverted to Larnaca for refueling before continuing back to Israel.
Wind Gusts Exceed 100 km/h
The Israel Meteorological Service reported exceptionally strong gusts, peaking in the afternoon. A maximum gust of 105 km/h was recorded in Hadera, while winds in Tel Aviv reached 97 km/h. Gusts above 75 km/h were also measured along the southern coastal plain, including Ashdod and Ashkelon.
Rainfall totals varied widely. By 2:00 p.m., Kibbutz Manara in the Upper Galilee recorded the highest amount with nearly 30 millimeters. Jerusalem saw about 26 millimeters, while parts of the Golan Heights, central Israel and the coastal plain also reported significant rainfall. Southern areas, including Be’er Sheva and Mitzpe Ramon, saw little precipitation.
Outlook: Gradual Easing, Then More Rain
Forecasters said winds and rain are expected to gradually weaken overnight, though scattered showers may continue from the north to the Negev. On Saturday, local rain is forecast mainly in northern and central areas, accompanied by slightly cooler temperatures.
Occasional rain and isolated thunderstorms are possible Saturday night into Sunday, primarily in the north and along the coast. A warming trend is expected Sunday, followed by renewed cooling and additional rain in northern Israel on Monday.
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