Winter began on Shabbos in portions of southern Israel, as heavy rainfall was recorded in the Negev, leading to flash flooding and the closing of roads as well as the cessation of public transportation.

Police report that Route 90 was closed between Tzukim and Paran as a result of weather conditions. A message was released for hikers to remain out of the area due to flash flooding regarding Nachal Bikat HaYarden, the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea/Aravah area.

An Egged spokesman released a message which said, “Due to a cloud burst, there are large polls of water on some roads”, which lead to closures and delays.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)