Israel Braces for Extreme Cold Wave as Storm ‘Coral’ Approaches

Jerusalem – Israel is set to experience one of its most severe cold waves in recent years as Storm “Coral” makes its way toward the region.

The extreme weather event, expected to hit as early as this coming weekend, has prompted local councils and municipalities to issue urgent warnings and guidelines to help residents prepare.

Authorities are urging the public to take all necessary precautions, as freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and strong winds could lead to disruptions in daily life.

The Israel Meteorological Service has forecast that some areas, particularly in the north and at higher elevations, could see significant snowfall, while other regions may experience dangerously low temperatures.

Preparations and Warnings

Municipalities across the country have advised residents to stock up on essential supplies, including food, drinking water, hygiene products, and basic medical necessities.

Severe weather conditions could make it difficult for people to leave their homes, prompting officials to recommend having an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, warm blankets, and portable phone chargers.

Heating and insulation are a major concern, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and infants. Residents are being urged to inspect windows and doors for air leaks and seal them with weather strips where necessary.

Additionally, households should check that their heating systems, including heaters and air conditioners, are functioning properly.

Authorities have also warned about the risk of frozen and burst pipes, advising residents to ensure their plumbing is well-insulated. In homes with solar water heating systems, it is recommended to let hot water taps drip slightly to prevent freezing.

Outdoor Safety and Infrastructure Checks

With high winds and snow accumulation expected, homeowners and building managers have been instructed to secure objects on rooftops, such as antennas, awnings, and solar water heaters.

Outdoor furniture should be covered or moved to a sheltered area, and gutters should be cleared to prevent blockages that could lead to flooding.

Officials are also urging the public to remove unsecured items like flower pots, signs, and planters from balconies to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles in strong winds.

Private property owners have been asked to trim tree branches near power lines to minimize the risk of outages.

Travel and Public Safety Measures

Authorities are strongly advising against non-essential travel during the storm, especially in areas where heavy snowfall is expected. Drivers who must be on the road are urged to follow official guidelines and exercise extreme caution.

Residents are also being warned about the dangers of standing under awnings, pergolas, and temporary structures where more than 10 cm of snow has accumulated, as the weight of the snow could cause them to collapse.

In the event of downed power lines, citizens are instructed to maintain a safe distance and immediately report the issue to the relevant authorities. Municipal teams will be on high alert to address emergency situations and provide assistance where needed.

A Rare Weather Phenomenon

While Israel experiences winter storms annually, meteorologists note that the intensity of Storm “Coral” is highly unusual.

“This level of extreme cold and the possibility of significant snowfall in multiple regions is something we haven’t seen in years,” said an official from the Israel Meteorological Service.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and follow safety instructions to mitigate risks.

As Storm “Coral” approaches, Israel is bracing for a rare and potentially disruptive cold wave, with communities across the country preparing for an unprecedented winter event.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members