As unusually stormy weather nears, Israel braces for flooding, road closures

Israel’s cities are gearing up for unusually intense stormy weather expected to hit the country’s shores Thursday evening.

Tel Aviv deployed extra sand barriers along its Mediterranean beaches to prevent flooding from waves expected to reach as high as eight meters.

Park officials urge Israelis not to visit the nation’s national parks over the weekend, as flooding is expected in many riverbeds and low-lying areas in the Galilee and the northern Negev.

Police are also deploying in large numbers in areas that have proven prone to storm damage in the past. The national traffic police will be announcing in real time in the media any road closures due to downed power lines, flooding, or other damage. Those who plan on traveling on Thursday night, on Friday and Saturday can also dial 110 for up-to-date road conditions.