israel storm

Flood warnings have been issued in southern Israel. Popular hiking trails and tourist spots in the Judean desert are also being closed.

“We were hanging out at an abandoned beach when lightning struck the sand and knocked us to the ground,” said Elazar Hazut of Beersheba from his hospital bed. “I ask for Israelis to pray for us.”

Facebook users from the center of the country reported that the storm affected areas from Hadera to Ashdod.

Another storm is expected to hit Israel on Tuesday.

Rescue services are standing by in case of floods.

Ayman Jaber has been missing since the floods last week.

The students drowned in flash floods, and amid questions into why the trip went ahead despite the severe weather conditions, police arrested Kahan and two other staffers.

Rescue workers extricate hikers trapped in floods, remove downed tree limbs, Kinneret rises 7 cm.

"The best thing we can do right now is respond to each appeal as it comes. Time is against us but we will do whatever we can to help."