VIDEO: Israel hit by widespread floods as wintry weather persists into March
Heavy rain leaves cars stranded, rivers bursting their banks, roads closed and even shutters a nature reserve in the Negev desert
Southern Israel was hit the hardest with heavy thunderstorm causing the Revivim River in the Negev Desert to overflow. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea was closed for visitors due to floods and Route 40 was closed to traffic in both directions in light of the weather conditions.
The entrance to the northern city of Tayibe flooded as well, prompting a rescue police operation after a vehicle was caught in floods.
The Meteo-Tech meteorological company said hail and thunderstorms will weaken towards the late hours of the evening and will end overnight. Wednesday will see a mixture of sun and clouds with a slight increase in temperatures.
The northwest winds in the Mediterranean Sea will reach speeds of up to 25 kph (16 mph) while the height of the waves could reach of up to 120cm (4 feet).
According to meteorological services, a shallow ridge over the eastern Mediterranean is the cause of the unstable weather conditions in the region.
On Thursday intermittent rain will hit the northern parts of the country and the weather will once again dip below the usual seasonal average.
