Storm threatens flash floods, road closures in south as Israelis head to polls

The public is urged to stay away from streambeds amid a real risk of life-threatening flash floods in the southern Negev, Arava, Judean Desert and Dead Sea area as Israelis vote.

A storm is set to sweep into southern Israel on Election Day, bringing a risk of significant flash flooding and road disruptions. Moisture from a Red Sea trough, a low-pressure system that extends north from the Red Sea, will move into the south by Tuesday afternoon.

Northern and central Israel have a good chance of localized rain under partly cloudy to cloudy skies, but no major disruptions are expected.

Rain will 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

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 warned of possible closures on roads to and from Eilat on Election Day because of significant rain expected in the Arava on Tuesday 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.

Police said they would decide on road closures based on on-the-ground weather conditions and urged the public to prepare for possible traffic disruptions.