Winter storm “Carmel” drops record rains over Israel
Winter storm "Carmel" made landfall over Israel on Monday, December 20, 2021, bringing record rains, snow, and strong winds. This is the 3rd winter storm named by the newly formed East Mediterranean Storm Naming Group, composed of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.
According to the Israeli Meteorological Service (IMS), the most impressive rains were registered at the Mikve Israel weather station near Holon which saw 175 mm (6.88 inches) of rain since landfall. Of that, 147 mm (5.78 inches) fell on December 21 alone.1
This station is in operation for over 100 years and is one of Israel's oldest facilities. In its entire history, it recorded similar highs on only two occasions — 199 mm (7.83 inches) in November 1938 and 148 mm (5.82 inches) in December 1954.
Ben-Gurion International Airport registered 153 mm (6.02 inches), Moshav Amikam 151 mm (5.94 inches), HaKfar HaYarok youth village 145 mm (5.70 inches), Kibbutz Nir Eliyahu 142 mm (5.59 inches), Beit Dagan 131 mm (5.15 inches), Zikhron Ya'akov 124 mm (4.88 inches), West Bank settlement of Karnei Shomron 122 mm (4.80 inches).
Tel Aviv registered 117 mm (4.60 inches) on December 20 and 21, while Zefat and the Golan Heights region registered 84 mm (3.30 inches) and Haifa 65 mm (2.55 inches).
IMS said rains will continue on Thursday, December 23, increasing measurements even more.
The storm left at least 1 person dead and several injured.2
At Mount Hermon, snow began falling on Sunday, December 19 and intensified on Monday with 5 – 10 cm (2 – 4 inches) at its base and 30 cm (12 inches) at the summit by 12:00 LT on December 20.3
The storm also affected neighboring countries, bringing rare snowfall to Alexandria and other areas in Egypt's north and forcing authorities to close ports and suspend classes.
References:
1 'Carmel' storm brings record-breaking showers throughout Israel – ynetnews
2 Winter storm ‘Carmel’ wreaks havoc with heavy rains, wind – The Times of Israel
3 Winter storm "Carmel" hits Israel with strong winds, heavy rain and snow – The Watchers
Featured image credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS, TW. Acquired on December 22, 2021
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