08 Dec 2018 | 01:24 AM UTC
Middle East: Slow-moving storm brings rain, flooding December 7-8
Heavy rain and flooding forecast across Middle East December 7-8 due to slow-moving storm; road closures and flooding reported and likely to persist
Event
A large storm moving slowly across the region is expected to bring heavy rain from Turkey and Lebanon to Saudi Arabia from Friday, December 7, to Saturday, December 8. Flooding is possible throughout the area and has already been reported in Syria, Israel, and Iraq. Those areas, along with Lebanon and northern Jordan, are at risk for continued flooding and associated disruptions. More rain is forecast and further flooding is possible until drier weather arrives on Sunday, December 9.
In Israel, around 80 residents near Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) were evacuated due to rising floodwaters and electricity and gas services were cut to Ahi'ezer. Some roads were also closed due to flooding, including Route 40 and the Ayalon Highway.
Advice
Individuals in the Middle East, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to monitor local weather reports and anticipate flooding, adverse driving conditions, and transportation disruptions, including due to road closures. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
