Just days after Storm Byron ended, and as many areas in southern Israel are still dealing with storm damage, the Israel Meteorological Service said Sunday night that another significant rain system is expected over the next two days, mainly in the Negev, with a risk of urban flooding and widespread flash floods. Road closures and traffic disruptions are expected in the Negev, the Arava, the Judean Desert, along the Dead Sea and in the Jordan Valley.
Rain is expected to resume on Monday, spreading from northern Israel to the central Negev. The peak of the system is forecast for Monday night into Tuesday morning. The heaviest rainfall is expected along the southern coast, including the Ashdod and Ashkelon areas, the Gaza border region and the northern Negev, where tens of millimeters of rain could fall within a few hours. “There is a real risk of significant flash flooding and urban flooding in cities and communities in these areas,” the Meteorological Service said.
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Flooding expected, including over the next two days
(Photo: Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson)
Heavy rain and flooding are also forecast Monday afternoon and evening in central Israel, including the Tel Aviv area, as well as along the Dead Sea, where major flash floods are expected. From Monday evening through Tuesday, flooding is also forecast in the central Negev and along the Arava. As a result, Route 90 is expected to be closed for extended periods along much of its length, from north of the Dead Sea southward.
Police said they are preparing for the incoming storm, which is expected to cause widespread road closures in the Dead Sea area, the Negev, the Arava and as far south as Eilat. Southern District police said they are preparing for urban flooding and significant flash floods in nearly all streams in the Negev and the central Arava, and locally in the southern Dead Sea area. Flooding is expected along major southern highways, including Route 234 near the Tze’elim Bridge, Route 232 at Nahal Shikma, Route 40 at Nahal Tzihor and Route 90 from Ein Gedi to the central Arava.
Police also said that following an assessment held Monday, and in the interest of public safety, proactive road closures may be implemented depending on weather conditions. Possible closures include Route 12 from the Neot Smadar junction to Eilat; Route 40 from Mitzpe Ramon through the Tzihor junction to Ketura; and Route 13 from the Tzihor junction to the Menucha junction.
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Flash floods in Yavne during Storm Byron
(Photo: Israel Fire and Rescue Services, Central District)
In addition, roads leading to and from Eilat may be closed to traffic. Police urged the public to plan ahead, check road conditions and adjust travel plans to the expected weather.
Officers from the Southern District, together with traffic police, police rescue units, Border Police officers and local volunteer emergency teams, will be deployed in affected areas to assist motorists and protect public safety. Police urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas at risk of flooding, warning of dangers including falls, being swept away and drowning.
First published: 01:53, 12.15.25