A funnel cloud was seen in the Golan Heights on Saturday following thunderstorm and flash flood warnings issued earlier in the day by the Israel Meteorological Service, with gust forecasts in the Golan reaching as high as 42 kph.
Footage published by N12 News shows the funnel cloud seemingly touching the ground amongst the northern hills.
Notably, a funnel cloud usually develops from a supercell thunderstorm, and is often a visual precursor to tornadoes.
Further footage published by N12 showed heavy rainfall in the Jerusalem area, particularly near Ma’aleh Adumim.
The Israel Meteorological Service issued thunderstorm warnings for nearly the entire eastern side of the country, stretching from the Golan to the Negev Desert. The warning remains valid until 6:00 p.m., and the public is advised to avoid tall objects and structures, as well as flying objects blown by the wind.
The 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 against approaching rivers or camping due to the danger posed by the potential floods, with a portion of Highway 90 closed to traffic on Saturday after floods filled the road, according to Israeli media.
Israel Meteorological Service warns against swimming activities along coast
An additional warning was issued later on Saturday for the coastal plain, advising against all swimming activities due to high waves of up to 120 cm and rising, valid until 10:00 p.m.
The warnings add to existing heat-stress warnings across the country, valid throughout the day and evening, with the Israel Meteorological Service telling the public to stay hydrated and take precautions to protect against heat-related dangers.
Several rescued in Jerusalem, Ma'ale Adumim from floods caused by heavy rains
Also on Saturday, the Israel Meteorological Service noted that the rainfall in Jerusalem and the Judean Desert broke the August record, with 11 millimeters of rain falling over one hour, 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, according to Ynet, which noted that additional flooding occured in the Og Stream, the first time flooding has been observed in the stream at this time of year.