In a strange weather pattern, thunderstorms are expected in areas around Israel on Sunday, 12 Cheshvan, including Jerusalem.

While in Eretz Yisrael we have begun reciting V’Sein Tal Umar already, what is unique is the storms are expected in the coming days but temperatures are not dropping as is usually the case in Israel. Temperatures in Tel Aviv this morning are in the high 80s and skies are now getting darker as strong wind gusts are reported. Following are videos of Lod and Netanya.

10:07: MDA reports that a wall collapsed due to the strong winds on Alush Street in Pardes Chana. One person was critically injured and transported to Hillel Yafeh Hospital in Hadera as paramedics and EMTs performed CPR and advanced life support.

10:18: Heavy hail storm reported in the Shomron. Some motorists report smashed windows from golf-sized hail balls.

In Hadera and Tel Aviv there are reports of power outages as the storm increases in intensity.

11:20: Emergency medical services, the fire department and police are being inundated with calls from areas hit hard by heavy rain, hail and winds. There are many persons injured already this morning in the first winter storm along with electric outages in areas.

A photo shows the size of the hail in Shomron as well as damage to a car. The staircase shown in another photo depicts the extent of flooding in some areas.

(Photos above from a service road near Shfayam)

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: Moti Yakabov, Medabrim Tikshoret)