Sinkholes opened on Eliezer Hoofien St. in Holon and Shirat Ge’ulim St. in Herzliya on Wednesday as unseasonal rainy weather was reported in multiple locations across Israel.
Police were at the scenes directing traffic and recommended taking alternative routes.
What’s causing the stormy weather?
The remnants of Storm Daniel, a tropical-like cyclone that caused intensive flooding in Libya and Greece, reached Israel on Wednesday, sparking isolated thunderstorms and unseasonally rainy conditions along the coast and in central Israel.
The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) warned that flooding could occur along the central and southern coast, with a slight chance of flash floods in streams in eastern Israel. The IMS predicted that 50-75 mm of rain would fall along the coast.
The IMS noted that while the amount of rain in September in Israel is usually very low, this year an upper-level low-pressure system developed earlier than usual, interacting with a high sea temperature to create a type of cyclone referred to as a “deep depression” with a lot of energy. “Such a deep system created a change that interrupted the flows typical of the period,” explained the IMS.
When Storm Daniel was to the west of Israel and rotating counter-clockwise earlier this week, it brought hot temperatures and haze to Israel. On Wednesday, the remnants of the storm reached Israel, bringing unseasonal amounts of rain.
The rain is expected to end by the evening.
Due to the rainy weather, Israel Police called on drivers to drive carefully and to avoid flooded areas. Police also recommended avoiding underground parking lots and elevators on underground levels. Swimming at the beach is also dangerous due to the strong winds and high waves.
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