Stormy weather brings road closures, flooding across Israel

Several main roads in Tel Aviv are flooded as the city is overwhelmed by heavier than average rainfall.

This morning, 50 millimeters of rain was recorded in Tel Aviv — with some 16 millimeters falling in the course of just one hour. Rokah Boulevard and Namir Road in Tel Aviv are both blocked to traffic.

Around 20-30 millimeters of rain was recorded this morning in other regions along the coastal plain. A large pool of water formed in the area of Mesubim Junction on Route 4, a main intercity highway that runs along the coast.

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Flooding is also being reported in the central city of Rishon Lezion, where the water caused damage to cars. Rescue services are working to extract drivers who were trapped in their vehicles by the floods.

Police are warning drivers to not try crossing any streams flowing over roads in the southeast of the country, citing concerns of flash floods. Drivers everywhere are urged to exercise caution in the wet weather.

More heavy rain is predicted for this afternoon, sweeping in from the sea and spreading across the country. Snow and hail were expected later in the day in high areas of the central region although the snow was not likely to settle.

— Stuart Winer