Unseasonal thunderstorms strike Israel

Unseasonal, severe thunderstorms ripped across the northern region of Israel to the Negev Desert in the south. Authorities reported an unusually high number of lightning strikes, hailstorms, and flooding. 

The Israel Corporation recorded 828 lightning strikes on Tuesday morning and afternoon– an unprecedented number at this time of the year and up by a staggering 2 748 percent, from May's monthly average of 30.

The last time the nation saw back-to-back winters were more than three decades ago, around late 1986 to early 1988, said the Israel Water Authority.

Portions of Highway-90 in the south were blocked due to heavy traffic amid periods of flooding. Strong hail was also reported in the southern cities of Arad and Yeruham, while rains fell in most cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. 

The weather was unusual at this time as Israel rarely sees rain during its dry period, which is between April to October.

Following a significantly wet winter, the Sea of Galilee in the north recorded its highest level in two decades at 209 m (686 feet).

Featured image credit: Ilia K./Flickr