‘Don’t go near the beach!’ Tel Aviv warns, as sky-high waves and wind predicted

9 January 2026, 9:12 am

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Illustration: Rain and wind in Tel Aviv as storm "Byron" hits Israel. December 11, 2025. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

In an unusual alert, Tel Aviv is urging its denizens away from the city’s beaches in the face of powerful winds that are expected to hit Israel today.

Rain soaked the city this morning, and winds are expected to reach a speed of 70 kilometers per hour (43.5 mph), Hebrew media reported, causing gnarly waves up to 10 meters (32 feet) high.

Those planning a beach day in such conditions should find something else to do, the Tel Aviv municipality warns.

“Throughout the whole weekend, gale force winds will blow, and especially high waves are expected on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa beach,” reads an alert on the city’s website. “Attention — don’t go near the beach during the storm!”