When Storm Byron hit Israel in December, it served as a major test of the Israeli emergency response network.
The Israel Meteorological Service sent out warnings days before the storm, forecasting abnormally high levels of precipitation and high flood risk.
The mass flooding, which mainly hit central and coastal areas, injured several Israelis and killed one person.
Sophomore Joey Sherman said, “It’s really upsetting to see these long term effects finally showing. Seeing a country with so many issues, specifically violence, it’s tragic seeing climate disasters doing so much damage on top of everything, especially in such an advanced country.”
Israeli emergency forces, including the Fire and Rescue authority and the specialized rescue unit ZAKA, mobilized across Israel to help civilians.
Ashkelon, a coastal city, opened an emergency response center along with Beersheva to evaluate the severity of the situation.
Flooding along roads and highways in central Israel caused many to be trapped inside their vehicles, according to paramedics who were dispatched to help them.
The Yavne Municipality declared a state of emergency, and stated that they would allow roads to reopen once safe, and that local forces would continue dealing with any situations in the area. Trains were also closed due to signal issues caused by the storm, as well as delays and route changes.
Sophomore Noah Cytrynbaum said, “The climate change really reminds me of what is happening in America, including New Jersey and New York. It’s scary to see that climate disasters are starting to really occur everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Haifa, Acre and other northern coastal towns were hit by heavy rain. Authorities closed beaches and warned residents to stay away from cliffs and exposed areas.
In some areas in the Negev and in the Judean Desert, authorities warned Israelis about potential flash flooding in wadis, where water levels can suddenly and quickly rise.
Several roads were closed in case of flash floods, and hikers were advised to stay away from nature reserves and dried-up rivers until conditions had improved.
The IDF released some soldiers a day early to ensure their safe return.
For a while Israel had not experienced enough rain. This storm is seen as a prolonged reaction, and originally many people, specifically farmers, were ecstatic about the rain since it would help restore crops and soil density after a drought.
Junior Layla Sharret said, “I have never seen Israel so green. The rain really helps bring more color to the country.”
“Whatever your political leanings or what you blame for climate change, it’s a fact that changes in climate are affecting the whole world, and Israel is proof of that,” said Language Arts teacher Mr. Langer.
While Israel experiences different weather conditions, nothing has been recorded of this severity. At its peak the storm brought floods that were around 206 millimeters (8 inches) tall which is one of the most severe flooding and winds recorded for Israel in a very long time. Even water levels a few inches high is considered incredibly high in the dry areas of Israel that were affected.
The last major storm there was Storm Carmel in 2021, when the highest waters were around 175 millimeters (7 inches).
