Police have closed all roads leading to and from Eilat and multiple roads in southern Israel until further notice, as rainfall has caused flooding and the risk of flash floods in the region on Election Day.
Police have closed Route 90 to vehicle traffic due to flooding at Arava Junction.
Earlier on Tuesday, it was announced that Route 40 is closed between Tzihor Junction and Mitzpe Ramon, and Route 13 is closed between Menuha Junction and Tzihor Junction.
Despite the closures, those traveling to Ramon Airport will be allowed to exit Eilat.
Southern District officers remain deployed across the south and are conducting ongoing situational assessments, police said, to protect the public, prevent loss of life, and keep disruption to daily life to a minimum. Officers from the Southern District and the National Traffic Police have been deployed along the roads to direct traffic. Police urged the public to plan trips in advance, check road conditions, and follow officers’ instructions, and warned drivers not to cross flooded roads or enter flood zones.
Rain was forecast to start in the southern Negev and quickly spread across large parts of southern Israel, including the Negev Highlands, the Arava, and the Dead Sea area. Heavy rain is expected at times, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, wind gusts, and even hail.
Flooding may lead to road closures in southern Israel
Further flooding is possible in streams in the southern Negev, the Arava, the Judean Desert, and the Dead Sea area. The public has been warned to stay away from streambeds, as conditions could be life-threatening.
Police previously warned of possible additional road closures in the area on Election Day because of significant rain expected between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. In addition, all hiking sites between Beersheba and Eilat will be closed for the duration of the storm.