Heavy rains trigger road closures, major traffic leaving Eilat, Arava

Heavy rainfall across Israel’s south has sparked fears of flash floods, prompting road closures and long traffic jams as many residents attempt to leave Eilat and Arava desert communities, according to Hebrew media reports.

The Hevel Eilot Regional Council says police have shut down Route 40 between Mitzpe Ramon and Ketura Junction in both directions due to weather conditions. A major backup is also reported on Route 90 northbound from the town of Ir Ovot to the Arava Junction.

הבריחה מאילת: פקק כבד על כביש 90 צפונה מעיר אובות ועד צומת הערבה.
צילום: גיל שביט pic.twitter.com/R4gqQOuglS

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Local security officials warn that additional roads leading to Eilat and the Arava may be closed from the afternoon through the night as flooding risks rise.

Uri Lev, the security officer of the Central Arava Regional Council and commander of the Arava emergency search and rescue unit, says rescue teams and police have held emergency assessments and deployed patrols in preparation for possible flash floods.

Heavy rain is already falling in Eilat. Dr. Amir Givati of the Israel Meteorological Service says that flooding is expected “in the Eilat area, the Negev, and up to the northern Arava” in the coming hours, urging the public to stay away from desert stream beds.