Jerusalem, 27 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — All roads leading to and from the southern city of Eilat were closed to vehicle traffic in both directions on Tuesday, amid flooding and fears of flash floods, Israel Police announced. The closures come on Election Day, as a stormy weather system sweeps the south.
According to the police spokesperson’s update, flooding on the Arava Road (Route 90) led to the closure of the Arava Junction and the northern entrance and exit of Eilat. Route 12 was also closed to traffic at the same time.
Earlier this morning, police closed Route 40 between the Mitzpe Ramon Junction and the Ketura Junction, as well as Route 13 between the Menuha Junction and the Tzihor Junction. “At this stage,” police said, all routes leading to and from the port city are blocked to vehicles in both directions.
Police emphasized that exit from Eilat will be permitted only for those traveling to Ramon Airport.
Flash floods are a known hazard in the Negev and Arava regions, where heavy rain falling on hard, dry ground can send water rushing through riverbeds with little warning. Roads crossing these channels are often the first to be shut when storms hit.
Police said they will continue to update the public on road conditions and traffic arrangements through various media channels. They called on drivers to avoid approaching the closed roads, to be patient, and to follow the instructions of officers in the field.
It was not immediately clear when the roads would reopen.