Record 117 mm of rain hits Sharon in 75 minutes, trapping motorists and prompting stay-home order

NOVEMBER 7, 2026 21:55Heavy rainfall on Saturday in the Sharon region caused flooding at several locations in Kadima-Zoran, with the local council urging residents to stay home and avoid non-essential outings.According to Israel Meteorological Service data, the weather station in Kadima registered a record 117 mm of rain within just an hour and a quarter, an extraordinary volume for the Sharon region.In the wake of the flooding, council teams were dispatched to the field and began clearing hazards, removing blockages, and draining standing water.Operations are being carried out in coordination with the police, Fire and Rescue Services, the Mayannot HaSharon water corporation, the Drainage Authority, and the council's volunteer emergency response team (SA'AR).The council urged residents to avoid leaving home unnecessarily and warned of flooding on Route 4, near the Drorim Junction, in the northbound direction from the south to Kadima-Zoran.Rain causes flooding across Israel, November 7, 2026. (credit: AVI ROKACH)Drivers were asked to avoid the area and not attempt to cross flooded roads. At the same time, residents were asked to report hazards to the municipal 106 hotline, which operates around the clock.The council instructed residents to avoid flooded roads and areas, follow safety guidelines, and report hazards to the 106 hotline. In line with Fire and Rescue guidelines, residents were also asked to avoid using elevators that descend to the ground floor or underground parking garages during flood conditions.Kadima-Zoran Local Council Head Keren Green stated, "We are dealing with exceptionally anomalous amounts of rain within a short time frame. Council teams are operating on the ground in cooperation with all emergency and rescue agencies to address the flooding and hazards. I ask residents to avoid non-essential trips, refrain from entering flooded areas, and report any hazard to the council hotline. Residents' safety is our top priority."Rain expected to weaken: Forecast for the coming daysIntermittent rain with isolated thunderstorms is expected in northern and central Israel, with local showers in the northern Negev following Saturday's rains. Localized flooding remains a risk for coastal plain cities, along with flash flood risks in streams across the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea area.On Sunday, localized rainfall will continue in northern and central Israel, and isolated thunderstorms remain possible in the morning. In the morning, there is a slight risk of localized coastal plain flooding. From the afternoon onward, rainfall will gradually weaken and taper off, while temperatures will remain lower than seasonal averages.On Monday, skies will be partly cloudy with no significant rainfall. Temperatures will remain below average for the season, with brisk northerly winds along the coast in the afternoon.On Tuesday, conditions will be clear to partly cloudy with high-altitude cloud cover. Temperatures will rise slightly but remain slightly below the seasonal norm. Brisk northerly winds will blow along the coast in the afternoon.On Wednesday, conditions will be partly cloudy to overcast, and temperatures will remain slightly lower than average for the season.Rescues conducted as result of record rainfallCentral District firefighters responded to 11 rescue incidents today resulting from the stormy weather, heavy rainfall, and flooding across the district. In the primary incident, two elderly adults were rescued from a car submerged in water at the Dror Interchange; following their rescue, they required continued on-site medical care.Fire and rescue crews continue to operate at heightened readiness. Ayalon Station Shift Commander Reshef Shalom Davidovich warned: "We appeal to the public not to cross flooded streams and, under no circumstances, to enter flooded areas; this is an unnecessary risk to life. If needed or in case of any danger, dial 102 immediately, and we will arrive to assist."Tonight and tomorrow, the Mediterranean Sea will be rough, with wave heights ranging between 120 and 180 cm. Because runoff and drainage water are flowing into the sea after coastal rains, the Ministry of Health warns the public against swimming at bathing beaches until further notice.Follow us on Google