A powerful winter storm swept across Israel from Thursday into Friday, bringing heavy rain, hail and thunderstorms that triggered flooding in several cities and sparked at least one lightning-related fire. Forecasters say the storm system will continue through the weekend with more rain, thunderstorms and below-average temperatures.

Ashkelon recorded the highest rainfall total by early Friday, with 53.8 millimeters (2.12 inches) in 24 hours. On Thursday evening, 27 millimeters (1.06 inches) fell in one hour at Kibbutz Regavim near Binyamina. Hadera received 39.2 millimeters (1.54 inches) along with heavy hail, and Acre reported 33.1 millimeters (1.30 inches). Sdom, in the southern Dead Sea region, also saw intense rain with 5.7 millimeters (0.22 inches).

Rain reached central Israel overnight, according to the Israel Meteorological Service. North Tel Aviv recorded 7.2 millimeters (0.28 inches). Jerusalem’s Givat Ram station measured 7.5 millimeters (0.30 inches), Mevo Beitar 6.7 (0.26), Nahariya 6.5 (0.26), Alonim 7.3 (0.29) and Ein HaShofet 12.3 (0.48). Kibbutz Gal’ed received 20.3 millimeters (0.80 inches).

Heavy rainfall and significant flooding will be expected Friday in central cities, especially along the coastal stretch from Tel Aviv to Ashdod. Intermittent showers and thunderstorms will continue in the north and center, with local rain in the northern Negev. Meteorologists warn of a slight risk of flash floods in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea region beginning at midday. Temperatures will fall well below seasonal averages.

Rain will continue from Friday night into Saturday in northern and central Israel, with thunderstorms persisting. Flooding will remain a concern along the coast and in the Shfela. Local showers will affect the northern Negev with ongoing flash-flood risk.

Forecast highs and lows for Friday:

Jerusalem 19°/12°C (66°/54°F)

Tel Aviv 21°/16°C (70°/61°F)

Haifa 20°/16°C (68°/61°F)

Safed 17°/12°C (63°/54°F)

Katzrin 20°/14°C (68°/57°F)

Tiberias 24°/17°C (75°/63°F)

Nazareth 19°/15°C (66°/59°F)

Afula 23°/15°C (73°/59°F)

Beit Shean 24°/18°C (75°/64°F)

Lod 21°/15°C (70°/59°F)

Ashdod 20°/14°C (68°/57°F)

Ein Gedi 24°/17°C (75°/63°F)

Beersheba 21°/15°C (70°/59°F)

Mitzpe Ramon 17°/12°C (63°/54°F)

Eilat 26°/18°C (79°/64°F)