Jerusalem faces historic summer flooding from extreme rainfall

Jerusalem and its surrounding areas experienced unprecedented summer flooding on Saturday due to heavy, unusual rainfall. The extreme weather triggered rescue operations as emergency crews worked to evacuate residents from flooded neighborhoods in the eastern and southern parts of the city.

Meteorological officials described the event as a “historical event.” In Ma'ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, a weather station recorded 21 mm of rain in a single hour, eventually reaching 25 mm. This is considered exceptional for August; previously, the highest recorded rainfall for this month in the Jerusalem area was just 1 mm, documented nearly a century ago.

Authorities closed sections of Route 90 in both directions due to flash flood risks. Emergency services warned residents to avoid underground levels, parking garages, and elevators, and to stay away from flood channels. Additionally, flash floods were documented in Wadi Qelt and the Dead Sea region, marking rare occurrences for this time of year.