Israel Matzav

Guess where this photo was taken....

A reminder once again that I am in the US where the Sabbath doesn't start for nearly three hours and that's why I'm posting when it's the Sabbath already in Israel.

So who guessed where the rain-flooded street is located? Would you believe Eilat?

Labels: Eilat, rainfall

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:04 AM 0 comments

It's raining, it's pouring

This has been the weirdest winter.

In December, we had three consecutive snowstorms on a Thursday morning, a Thursday night and a Friday night - all one right after the other.

Then we had two months of warm, dry weather - most of January and February it was in the 70's here during the day.

And now, winter is back with a vengeance. Strong winds and rains, and temperatures back to the mid-40's around the clock. What is going on here?

The rains began to pour across the country on Saturday, after two months of winter that has been some of the driest in history, in many places. Both the heavy rainfall and cold air this week are the result of mid-latitude depressions from the central Mediterranean Sea, explained Dr. Amos Porat, head of the Israel Meteorological Services climatology department. While such conditions are relatively “normal” during winter times in this region, Israel has not experienced such conditions this year since mid-December, he said.

Overall this week, many areas received large amounts of rainfall, with some accumulating more than 100 millimeters of water, Porat said. Among weather stations to receive the largest amounts of rain from Saturday through Thursday afternoon were those at Gamla and Rosh Zurim, with 102 and 104 millimeters respectively, according to IMS data. Due to the dry conditions the rest of the season thus far, these two areas have only received 55 percent and 73% of their annual seasonal averages thus far, the data said.

Haifa received 28 millimeters this week and 276 millimeters total since September, representing 51% of the city's annual seasonal average. About 71 millimeters accumulated in Tel Aviv this week out of a total 367 millimeters this season, which amounts to 63% of the city's annual seasonal average. Meanwhile, Jerusalem received 80 millimeters of rain this week and 374 millimeters total since September, which is 70% of the annual seasonal average.

The only areas to come close to or exceed their annual seasonal averages thus far are selected areas in the South – with Negba accumulating 99% of its average, Beersheba 99% and Eilat 118%, according to the IMS data. Negba received 71 millimeters this week, Beersheba 48 millimeters and Eilat 11 millimeters.

As of Thursday morning, the water level of Lake Kinneret was 211.07 meters below sea level, the Water Authority said.

We're expecting rain tonight, tomorrow and Monday. It's a good thing it's a leap year. Last year, Passover was March 25.

Labels: rainfall

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:43 PM 0 comments

Breaking: Gaza terrorists fire more than 20 rockets at southern Israel

In the last few minutes, Gaza terrorists fired more than 20 rockets at children walking home from school in southern Israel. Three were intercepted by Iron Dome, and the rest missed. Would you want your kids to walk home from school like this?

Moments ago, Gaza terrorists fired a salvo of 20 rockets at southern Israel.  In the late afternoon, “Code Red” sirens sounded in Israeli communities, where children were heading home from school.  The Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted three of the rockets.

Since the start of 2014, Gaza terrorists have fired more than 60 rockets at Israel.

Hopefully, Gaza will be rocking tonight. By the way, we had a torrential downpour with hail in Jerusalem at just about the same time as these rockets were fired. Yes, it's not just raining rockets. 

Labels: Gaza, Gaza envelope, Iron Dome, rainfall, rockets

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 6:10 PM 1 comments

It's raining, it's pouring

Received this morning from Shy Guy.

It’s raining, it’s pouring – in Israel!

Finally! In my 30+ years in Israel, I do not recall such a long dry spell from after Shmini Atzeret.

What’s today? Yes, it’s the last day of Chanukah 5774. But what else is it? It’s December 5^th, the day that our fellow Jews start saying Vetain Tal Umatar Livrachah in Chutz La’Aretz.

Perhaps the Ribbono Shel Olam is telling us that if we behave like Galus Yidden vis-à-vis who is going to save your neck tomorrow or the next day, then we’ll be treated like Golus yidden for the most essential material resource we require.

אֶרֶץ אֲשֶׁר ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ דֹּרֵשׁ אֹתָהּ תָּמִיד עֵינֵי ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ בָּהּ מֵרֵשִׁית הַשָּׁנָה וְעַד אַחֲרִית שָׁנָה (דברים פרק יא פסוק 12).

Just a thought.

Hmmm.

Labels: rainfall, Torah

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:14 AM 3 comments

Not such a rainy winter after all

Are you in Israel? Do you think we had a rainy winter? If so, you may be in for a surprise.

February and March this year were the driest for the past 50 years and overturned the country’s precipitation balance, which had looked promising at the beginning of winter, Israel Water Authority and Israel Meteorological Service figures show.

Last month was one of the warmest Marches since climate measuring began in Israel, with temperatures climbing 2-4 degrees higher than the multi-year average for this month, the Meteorological Service said. The meager rainfall was only 20-40 milliliters in the north, compared to a multi-year average of 90-120 milliliters.

The rainfall in February was the lowest recorded in the past 70 years, with the exception of the winter of 1958.

However, the Water Authority said this winter’s rain quantity totaled 109 percent compared to the multi-year average.

In the Kinneret area the rainfall was 114 percent compared to the multi-year average, due to the rains that fell at the beginning of winter and also raised the lake’s water level.

The Kinneret rose a meter  and a half this winter, because there was so much rain in December and January, so maybe we'll at least stay above the red line this summer. But don't bring out your water fountains just yet.

Labels: Kineret, rainfall, water shortage

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:32 PM 0 comments

BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Gaza tunnels collapse in the rain

After the intense rains we have had here this past week, many of the Gaza tunnels have flooded or collapsed.

After three days of intense rainfall, many of the tunnels under Gaza's border with Egypt are flooded or collapsed, an Egyptian security official told Ma'an.

The underground trade has halted during the stormy weather due to concerns that many tunnels remain unstable, the official in Egyptian Rafah said.

The woman in the picture is watching her house flood in Rafah. Many of the tunnels are under people's homes.

Heh. 

Labels: Gaza plenty, rainfall, smuggling tunnels, winter

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:12 AM 3 comments

For those wondering about the snow

For those of you who are wondering, yes it is snowing in Jerusalem, although it didn't start to snow hard until about 10:30 and it didn't even stick until about 8:30 or 9:00, at least where I am.

I have no idea how much snow is expected to accumulate (the forecast that said 5-15 centimeters now says 5 but we may have more than that already), but the reports earlier of 2 centimeters being on the ground this afternoon... let's just say it was wishful thinking.

Anyway, here are some more details.

While Lake Kinneret’s water levels continued to surge, violent winds and heavy precipitation battered Israelis all over the country on Wednesday, in the fifth consecutive day of stormy weather.

By Wednesday evening, the rainfall for the duration of the storm thus far had accumulated to between 150 and 250 millimeters in the country's North and Center, with some areas even receiving up to 300 millimeters, said Dr. Amos Porat, director of the Climate Department at Israel Meteorological Services (IMS). The southern parts of the country also received some rainfall, with totals amounting to between 20 and 50 millimeters. Meanwhile, strong winds continued to pound the entire country. and snow continued to fall in the northern and central mountain peaks – including in Jerusalem.

In perhaps one of the most encouraging aspects of the week's pouring rains, Lake Kinneret's water level stood at 211.34 meters below sea level on Wednesday morning, a 16-centimeter rise from the previous morning and just 2.50 meters from being filled to capacity. By evening, the basin had risen another 7 centimeters, reaching 211.27 meters below sea level and bringing the total rise for this storm period up to 60 centimeters, the Water Authority said.

...

Going into Thursday, rain and isolated storms will likely persist in the Center and the South, with snow continuing to fall over the central and northern mountain peaks, including those of Jerusalem, the IMS said. By the afternoon, both rain and snow should weaken, but the risk of flash floods as well as particularly cold temperatures will continue.

On Friday there will likely be partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies with isolated showers, predominantly in the North, according to the IMS. Temperatures throughout the country will remain unseasonably cold, though warmer than those of Thursday. By Saturday, most of the country will experience partly cloudy skies and an additional rise in temperature, though still remaining colder than usual, the IMS said.

The thermometer outside our window says 35.4 degrees (Fahrenheit), which is still over freezing.

By yesterday, we already had more rainfall than the Philadelphia area had during Hurricane Sandy... but without the flood surges.

 

Labels: Jerusalem, rainfall, snow, winter

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:39 AM 0 comments

'You and your shopping! This is the last time I come with you to Modiin'

And you thought it was from the Titanic....

Labels: humor, rainfall, winter

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:32 PM 0 comments

Israel, you ain't seen nothin' yet: Yes, it really looks like snow!

This storm is unbelievable. And the best is yet to come.

After four straight days of heavy, unceasing rain, many areas of the country have already reached or exceeded their annual winter rainfall levels. Since the storm started on Shabbat, several kibbutzim in northern Israel have recorded in the area of 250 millimeters of rain, and many more are expected to join that “club” in the coming days.

Since the beginning of one of the wettest winters in years, Haifa has already recorded 542 millimeters of rain – more than twice its annual average. Tel Aviv also has its average beat, with 136% of its annual average rain having fallen as of January 8, and the same holds true for Jerusalem (136%), Tzfat (211%), and Nahariya (192%). Even Eilat has joined the party, with more than twice as much rain falling this season as in an average year. According to the Meteorological Service, this season is likely to beat the 1994-95 season, the last time such heavy rains fell in Israel throughout the winter season.

But the best is yet to come, say forecasters. Precipitation will continue and get even heavier Tuesday night, Wednesday, and Wednesday night, as temperatures continue to drop. The combination of wet weather and cold temperatures is the perfect recipe for snowfall, which forecasters say is likely to hit the country in a big way Wednesday night and Thursday. Far from falling only in the Hermon, accumulations are expected in many parts of the country, including the hills of Judea and Samaria, and Jerusalem. The Jerusalem municipality has entered a “snow emergency readiness,” preparing dozens of plows to keep main arteries open.

Here's the latest Jerusalem forecast:

Wednesday will start with a mixed of rain and ice from the sky:
8am: 20% chance for snow. 5% chance for accumulation.
10am: 30% chance for snow. 10% chance for accumulation.
12pm: 50% chance for snow. 20% chance for accumulation.
4pm: 65% chance for snow. 35% chance for accumulation.
8pm: 70% chance for snow. 50% chance for accumulation.
12am: 80% chance for snow. 50% chance for accumulation.
6am Thu: 95% chance for snow. 95% chance for accumulation.
9am Thu: 95% chance for snow. 95% chance for accumulation.
Every percentage specify the chance for occurrance of the event till the time mentioned.

I fixed their spelling but not their grammar....

And finally, for those of you who feel flooded, could we be heading for this?

Let's go to the videotape.

Labels: Jerusalem, rainfall, snow, winter

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:28 AM 1 comments

US embassy issues travel advisory for storm: Make sure to secure your submarines

The US Embassy has issued a travel advisory to all Americans living in Israel:

U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security in light of the escalating water levels around Israel. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings and news reports, and follow guidance provided by the police. The Government of Israel’s Ministry of Public Security website provides information on how to choose a secure space, room, raft or submarine in a home or apartment.

U.S. citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents, boots and rain slickers at all times.

It's a joke! It's a joke! (Text by my friend Ephy G).

Labels: rainfall, Tel Aviv, US embassy in Tel Aviv, winter

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 5:25 PM 2 comments

A couple of awesome images: The day that God flooded Tel Aviv

Here's an aerial view of Tel Aviv earlier on Tuesday:



And here's the now totally closed Ayalon expressway, which cuts through the city (this is a ground level view of the brown lines in the picture above.


Awesome...

Labels: rainfall, Tel Aviv, winter

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:48 PM 2 comments

Modiin v. Venice

The mall in Modiin was pumped out on Monday, and on Tuesday, it's flooded again (link in Hebrew with some good pictures).

Labels: rainfall, winter

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:34 PM 2 comments

The driest November ever

Barring significant rain between now and Tuesday, which seems unlikely given this coming weekend's expected unseasonably warm temperatures, this month will go on record as the driest November in 83 years - which is as long as records have been kept. And it's not just this month.

With no significant rainfall thus far, the dire predictions regarding this winter have become a reality, the Water Authority said Thursday. With November nearing its end, Lake Kinneret will likely receive the least amount of water it has ever received since records started being kept in 1927.

No rain, the dryness and warm temperatures have increased the evaporation rates off the lake, such that it is losing about half a centimeter a day. It is already a meter below the bottom red line. The lake is also expected to break the record set in 2001 for least amount of drinking water available in the month of November.

After the driest November in the north in 48 years, it doesn't look like the situation will be getting any better next month either, the Water Authority said. Their forecasters fear the dry spell will continue into December and further lower the water levels in the aquifers and springs, in addition to Lake Kinneret.

The cabinet is set to discuss an emergency water plan to take the country through the next two years next Sunday. After seven years of little rainfall and no bumper years expected in the near future, the situation is expected to get worse before it gets better.

The situation will only begin to get better, the Water Authority believes, in 2013, when all of the desalination plants will be producing 600 million cubic meters of water a year. While that amount won't erase the deficit caused by seven or maybe even nine straight years of little rainfall, it is believed that it will eventually enable the stabilization of the situation. By taking the full burden of providing water away from Divine will, it should provide a buffer to enable the natural reservoirs to gradually replenish.

The situation would be considerably worse right now if three desalination plants weren't producing 300 million cubic meters of water a year already.

Read the whole thing.

What they're not telling you here is that Israel is the World leader in desalination technology, but the government kept watching its technology leaders sell their wares to others instead of buying it themselves for years on end. Last year was the only year in the last seven that we exceeded the average annual rainfall, and we didn't exceed it by much. It wasn't enough.

And it gets worse. If - God forbid - Israel turns over control of Judea and Samaria's water resources to the 'Palestinians,' it will be turning over control of one billion cubic meters of water per year. By comparison, our entire residential consumption (which is still considered quite high for this region) is between 600 and 700 million cubic meters.

On Monday, we will have our second fast for rain this month. Things are getting desperate here.

Labels: drought, Kineret, rainfall

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:30 AM 6 comments

Thursday has been declared a fast day

We've had almost no rain thus far this year and it has been unseasonably warm (in the mid 80's) this week. We've also had less than average rainfall in five of the last six winters, and an incredibly hot summer this year that dried up much of what was left of our water supply.

The Chief Rabbinate has declared Thursday a fast day to pray for rain.

Labels: Chief Rabbinate, drought, fast day, rainfall

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:39 PM 0 comments