Full coverage· Weather· Updated 26 Oct, 19:47

Heavy Rains and Flooding Expected on Election Day, Disrupting Roads

Israel is bracing for severe weather on Tuesday, the day of the 26th Knesset elections, with forecasts predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms, wind gusts, and hail. The adverse weather, caused by a Red Sea Trough system, is expected to intensify in the afternoon and primarily affect the southern and eastern parts of the country, raising concerns about voter turnout.

3 newsrooms · 1 language · since 26 Oct, 17:18

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01Severe weather including heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms is forecast for Israel on Tuesday during the 26th Knesset elections.
02Flash floods are expected in the southern Negev, Arava, Judean Desert, and Dead Sea regions, threatening to flood Highways 90 and 40.
03The Israel Police are preparing for potential closures of roads leading to and from Eilat, particularly between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
04All tourist sites from Beersheba to Eilat will be closed by police order due to the severe flood risks.
05Magen David Adom is increasing its emergency medical readiness across the country in anticipation of the storm and election day gatherings.
06The adverse weather and potential travel disruptions may impact voter turnout in the closely contested elections.
07Localized rain is expected to persist in the northern and central regions of the country through Friday.

Flash floods are a major concern in the southern Negev, Arava, Judean Desert, and Dead Sea regions, with strong currents expected in the Paran, Chiyon, Nekarot, and Tzin streams. Authorities warn of potential flooding on Highways 90 and 40, as well as other access roads. The Israel Police are preparing for potential closures of routes leading to and from Eilat, identifying the hours between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM as the most critical.

By police order, all tourist sites from Beersheba to Eilat will be closed for the duration of the weather system. Magen David Adom is increasing its emergency medical readiness nationwide in anticipation of the weather and public gatherings. Localized rain is expected to continue through Friday, primarily in the north and center of the country.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 01:23

Latest report: Hamal. Read Hamal’s original