A funnel cloud was observed over the Golan Heights on Saturday, August 15, 2026, following thunderstorm and flash flood warnings issued by the Israel Meteorological Service, as storms brought heavy rainfall that broke an August record in Jerusalem, with 11 millimeters falling in a single hour, according to Israeli media.
Funnel cloud spotted over Golan Heights as storms break August rainfall record in Jerusalem
A funnel cloud was observed over the Golan Heights on Saturday, August 15, 2026, following thunderstorm and flash flood warnings issued by the Israel Meteorological Service, as storms brought heavy rainfall that broke an August record in Jerusalem, with 11 millimeters falling in a single hour, according to Israeli media.
Footage published by N12 News showed the funnel cloud appearing to touch the ground among the northern hills of the Golan. The Israel Meteorological Service had forecast wind gusts in the Golan reaching as high as 42 kph. A funnel cloud typically develops from a supercell thunderstorm and is often a visual precursor to tornadoes, according to the article.
The Israel Meteorological Service issued thunderstorm warnings covering nearly the entire eastern side of the country, stretching from the Golan to the Negev Desert, valid until 6:00 p.m. The public was advised to avoid tall objects and structures and to stay clear of flying objects carried by wind.
A separate flash flood warning covered a smaller area, mainly around the Dead Sea region and the northeastern Negev, valid until 9:00 p.m. Authorities warned the public not to approach rivers or camp near them. A portion of Highway 90 was closed to traffic on Saturday after floodwaters filled the road, according to Israeli media.
Several people were rescued in Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim from floods caused by the heavy rain, Ynet News reported, citing Israel Meteorological Service Director Dr. Amir Givati. Givati warned residents to exercise caution in the region. Ynet also noted that flooding occurred in the Og Stream, which it described as the first time flooding had been observed in that stream at this time of year.
An additional warning issued later on Saturday for the coastal plain advised against all swimming activities due to high waves of up to 120 cm and rising, valid until 10:00 p.m. Those warnings were added to existing heat-stress warnings in effect across the country throughout the day and evening, with the Israel Meteorological Service advising the public to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related dangers.
- The source does not state the exact number of people rescued in Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim.
- The source does not state whether the funnel cloud caused any damage or casualties on the ground.
- The source does not state which authority closed the portion of Highway 90 or when it was expected to reopen.
- The source does not state what the previous August rainfall record for Jerusalem was, only that the new total of 11 millimeters per hour broke it.
- The source does not state the precise location on Highway 90 that was closed.
Read the original at The Jerusalem Post