Highway 90 Submerged
Danger in the South: The 15th Rain System Hits Israel with Record Force
Emergency services are working around the clock to rescue stranded motorists as torrential rains turn southern highways into dangerous rivers and force major road closures.
The winter season’s 15th major rain system arrived in Israel with significant force this Sunday, bringing heavy downpours that have caused widespread traffic disruptions and dangerous flash floods in the southern regions. While the storm did not carry the high winds seen in previous systems, the sheer volume of water falling in short periods has overwhelmed drainage systems and turned dry desert riverbeds into raging torrents. Police and emergency responders have been deployed in high numbers across the South to manage road closures and assist drivers caught in the rising waters. As the rain system begins to move out of the area, authorities are shifting their focus to the double threat of remaining floods and a looming cold front that is expected to bring freezing temperatures to many parts of the country.
Road Closures and Emergency Rescues
The most significant impact of the storm has been felt along Highway 90, Israel’s longest road and a critical artery for the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea regions. The police have officially closed the highway in both directions from the Nahal David intersection down to the Dead Sea hotel district. This closure was necessitated by severe flooding and a high risk to the safety of travelers. Shortly after the closure of Highway 90, authorities were also forced to shut down Route 232 from the Heletz junction to the Kochav Michael junction in both directions. "Southern District police and national traffic police are deployed throughout the south performing blockages, assisting in the rescue of vehicles, and directing traffic," a police statement confirmed. Officials urged the public to cooperate, asking travelers to "please allow the police to perform their duties" and avoid the area entirely.
The flooding has not been limited to the desert. The Meteorological Service reported impressive rainfall totals, with the Western Galilee leading the country with 32 mm of rain. Significant totals were also recorded in Haifa, the Golan Heights, and the southern coastal plain, where cities like Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Kiryat Gat experienced urban flooding. These intense bursts of rain triggered flows in several major desert streams, including the Og, Qumran, and Arugot rivers, which contributed to the hazardous conditions on the roads leading to the Dead Sea.
Forecast: A Shift from Floods to Freezing Cold
As the current rain system concludes, the immediate threat of water will be replaced by a period of extreme cold. While local showers may continue through Monday afternoon, particularly in the central and northern Negev, the Meteorological Service predicts a significant dry spell for the next ten days. However, the end of the rain does not mean a return to warmth. Clear skies at night will lead to a sharp drop in temperatures, with a serious risk of frost in low lying areas and northern valleys. Starting Tuesday, the weather will be colder than average for the season, with strong northeasterly winds blowing through the mountains. By Wednesday and Thursday, the air will remain dry and temperatures will begin a slow climb, though the cold nights will persist until the end of the week.