August goes wild: Thunderstorms, lightning and 70 km/h winds hit Israel

Weather extremes gripped Cyprus on Saturday, with thunderstorms, gales, and potential tornadoes sweeping across the island, according to Cyprus media reports. The Cyprus Meteorological Department confirmed the severe conditions affected the entire nation, noting waterspouts had already been spotted at sea near Larnaca, sparking worries about possible tornadoes.

Temperatures plummeted to approximately 10 degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm, sitting at 27 degrees Celsius instead of the usual 36 to 37 degrees. Meteorologists predict a gradual temperature rise through Sunday, aligning with the seasonal average by Wednesday, based on Cyprus media accounts.

A nationwide alert was issued at 12:15 p.m., warning citizens of intense rainfall and heightened flood risks, along with guidance on staying safe. The alert read, "Extreme National Alert: Your area is experiencing heavy rainfall with an increased risk of flooding. Avoid unnecessary travel and remain in your home for your own safety.

Please stay informed and follow the instructions of the authorities." Several roads were shut down due to landslides involving rocks and soil, and all motorists were advised to drive cautiously and at reduced speeds. One individual received hospitalization for minor burns after being struck by lightning in Larnaca; doctors reported he was stable.

Air travel to and from Cyprus was disrupted, with flights rerouted to other airports and some departures experiencing delays, though the situation appeared to normalize by midday Saturday. Lior, an Israeli tourist in Cyprus, shared her family's experience with the unexpected storm in Paphos, describing how strong winds abruptly shifted to gray skies and rain within hours. "We couldn't believe that in the last week of August, we would encounter such an unusual storm," Lior commented.

Israel, neighboring Cyprus, is bracing for an unusual summer storm, with reports of winds up to 70 km/h and rainfall in neighboring Syria and Lebanon. Israel is set to face strong winds, ranging from 50 to 70 km/h, with gusts up to 70 km/h, according to a Yellow Warning from the Meteorological Service, effective from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The warning highlighted the dangers posed by high winds, including hazardous driving conditions, power outages, and fallen trees.

The Ben-Gurion Airport, Herzliya Airport, Haifa Airport, and Rosh Pina Airport issued temporary wind and gust advisories for incoming and departing aircraft.

An Orange High Sea Swimming Danger Warning was extended until 10:00 p.m., cautioning of waves up to 2 meters in height. Authorities across northern Israel, particularly in the Northern Galilee area, cautioned the public to exercise caution and avoid flood-prone zones.