not everywhere· Security· Updated 18:46

Southern Israel Road Closures Updated Due to Heavy Rains and Flooding

Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall has completely cut off all land access to and from Eilat. Israel Police closed all major routes leading to the southern city on Tuesday, including Highways 90, 12, 40, and 13. The only exception to the travel ban is for drivers exiting Eilat specifically to reach Ramon Airport.

8 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 15:18

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Southern Israel Road Closures Updated Due to Heavy Rains and Flooding — Illustration by baba

What happened

01All roads leading to and from Eilat have been closed by police due to severe flooding.
02Highways 90, 12, 40, and 13 are blocked in both directions, cutting off land access to the city.
03Departures from Eilat are permitted solely for travelers heading to Ramon Airport.
04Police and Border Police are using a helicopter to search for stranded individuals and vehicles in flooded areas.
05Road closures have extended across the Negev, Arava, Jordan Valley, and Dead Sea regions.
06Authorities have warned of continued flash flood risks in dry riverbeds and urged the public to avoid closed routes.

The closures affect several key junctions and stretches across the Negev, Arava, Jordan Valley, and Dead Sea regions. Closed sections include Highway 90 from the Lido Junction to Eilat, Highway 40 between Mitzpe Ramon and Ketura, Highway 13 between Menuha and Tzeh'or, and Highway 12 from Eilat to Neot Smadar. Additional closures were reported on Highway 25 and Highway 57.

Police, traffic officers, and Border Police forces have deployed along the dangerous routes to prevent casualties. A police helicopter is assisting in searches for stranded hikers and vehicles in flooded areas, particularly around the Arava, Sapir, Mitzpe Ramon, and Tzeh'or junctions. Flood warnings remain active as heavy rains continue to pose a risk of sudden flash floods in dry riverbeds, and authorities are urging the public to avoid the affected areas and obey all instructions.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 8 newsrooms. Updated 20:51