Israel Fire and Rescue Services issued a severe public warning Monday ahead of expected flash floods in major wadis across the southern Negev and Arava regions in the coming days. The alert follows an update from the Meteorological Service forecasting a significant storm system that will impact the area.
1+According to the forecast, heavy rains are expected to begin Tuesday afternoon near the Israel-Egypt border. The rainfall will then spread to the southern Negev, Arava, and Dead Sea regions. There is real concern for flash floods in major wadis, including Nahal Paran, Hiyyon, Nekarot, and Tzin.
The expected weather system raises concerns about flooding and powerful water flows that could endanger traffic on highways 90 and 40, as well as other access roads in the area. Rescue forces are preparing for possible road closures and incidents requiring evacuation, and are calling on the public to exercise maximum vigilance.
1+Fire and Rescue Services emphasized safety rules and warned the public: “Do not cross a flooded road, either on foot or by vehicle. This is a real life-threatening danger!” Officials added that the public must completely avoid approaching wadis, stream beds, and areas prone to flooding, and must follow instructions from rescue forces in the field. In any emergency, dial 102.