‘Dangerous’ flash floods expected Saturday in Negev, Dead Sea areas

Water Authority warns of ‘rare’ flooding; roads to close as farmers brace for crop damage

Illustrative photo of Israelis watching flash floods in Nahal Og, which empties into the Dead Sea, November 26, 2014. (Maxim Dinshtein/Flash90)
Illustrative photo of Israelis watching flash floods in Nahal Og, which empties into the Dead Sea, November 26, 2014. (Maxim Dinshtein/Flash90)

Dangerous floods are expected to hit the riverbeds of the Negev and Dead Sea areas on Saturday, the Israel Water Authority warned Friday morning.

“According to the Hydrological Service’s model, the floods are expected to be unusually powerful,” the authority said in a statement.

“Significant” flash floods are expected “across large parts of the Negev and Arava, as far south as Eilat,” it added.

The most intense flooding is expected in the Zin and Paran riverbeds, as well as along the Dead Sea, with the water level rising throughout Saturday, reaching their highest point Saturday evening.

Flash floods can be extremely dangerous, washing away roads and street signs — along with unaware motorists or hikers. Roads are expected to be closed in mountainous areas of the Negev Desert, and farmers are bracing for damage to crops in agricultural areas of the Arava.

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