A massive storm that swept across Israel has knocked down part of an archaeological dig site exposing a rare 1,700-year-old Roman-era statue.

The headless marble statue of a woman was discovered buried in the sand by a resident walking near the shore in the southern city of Ashkelon.

"Many times nature helps us discover artifacts and in this case, nature, the storm, brought us this beauty here," said Dr Yigal Israel, an official from the Israeli Antiquity Authority

The white marble figure has been removed from the site by the Israel Antiquities Authority for further study.

The mosaic floor of what is believed to have been a Roman bathhouse was also found.

Fierce waves lapping onto the shore during the storm caused part of the site to collapse.

Archaeologist Yigal Israel said the new finds were discovered thanks to the storm but that other artifacts may have fallen into the sea.

"The archaeologist doesn't always discover with his tools or hands the antiquities of our country, many times nature helps us discover artifacts and in this case, nature, the storm, brought us this beauty here."

Strong winds and torrential rain pummelled Israel this week, causing damage to ruins found along Israel's coast.