Trees collapsed onto parked and moving vehicles on Friday in Bnei Brak and Ashkelon amid severe winds and flooding, injuring one person in moderate condition and damaging several cars, according to Magen David Adom and local authorities.
Police closed Highway 90 between Dragot Junction and the Dead Sea hotel district in both directions due to flooding and warned travelers of serious danger.
In Ashkelon, a tree fell beside a car that had flipped onto its side, trapping the driver, who was conscious and suffered head and limb injuries. MDA said the man was rescued by firefighters, treated at the scene and evacuated in moderate condition to hospital.
In Bnei Brak, a fallen tree crushed multiple vehicles, including one reportedly hit while in motion. Medics examined occupants at the scene and reported no injuries.
Avi Reymanud, an MDA emergency medic in Bnei Brak, said he heard “a loud crash of a tree collapsing,” alerted dispatch while heading down, and found the trunk over several cars. “We performed medical checks on the passengers and the incident ended miraculously with no injuries,” he said.
In Ashkelon, MDA medic Itzik Elbaz said he arrived with an intensive care ambulance and motorcycle responders, treated the trapped driver during the firefighters’ extrication, and transported him in stable, moderate condition.
Winds expected to reach 100 km/h
A widespread winter system is producing coastal gusts of 60–70 km/h, with winds expected to strengthen through the afternoon and evening. Dr. Amir Givati, head of the Israel Meteorological Service, said gusts could reach 100 to 115 km/h along the coast and lowlands and 90 to 100 km/h in the mountains, with easing only overnight. Authorities urged the public to avoid flood-prone roads, secure loose objects, and follow emergency instructions.
“Winds will peak from midday into evening along the coast and lowlands,” Dr. Givati said, adding that calmer conditions are expected only overnight.
Power disruptions
According to a Ynet report, the Israel Electric Company (IEC) has announced that the stormy weather and strong winds have caused trees and branches to fall onto the power grid in several areas across the country. This has led to downed wires and disruptions in the power supply.
The IEC teams are currently working to assess the damage and restore power to all those affected.