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.
Later on Saturday, the Israel Meteorological Service noted the rainfall in Jerusalem and the Judean Desert as having broken the record for August, with 11 millimeters of rain falling over a period of one hour, 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.