Police are closing Route 40 between Mitzpe Ramon and Tzihor Junction to traffic in both directions starting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, as a storm expected to bring flash flooding sweeps into southern Israel on Election Day.
Southern District officers and the National Traffic Police will be deployed along the roads to direct traffic, police said. They 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 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.