Middle East: Adverse weather forecast for Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, and Syria through at least March 4

Event

A weather system is impacting much of the Levant region March 3, bringing strong winds, a drop in temperatures, and heavy rainfall to parts of the region. The strong winds will likely cause significant duststorms in desert regions and snowfall is possible in mountainous areas. Conditions will likely begin to improve across many parts of the region from March 4.

The Jordan Meteorological Department has warned of the danger of low visibility in many areas of the country due to duststorms caused by strong winds. Heavy rainfall is likely in northern, central, and western regions March 3 and may be accompanied by thunderstorms. A drop in temperatures will be felt across the country.

As of March 3, the Israel Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange high sea warnings (the second-highest on a four-tier scale): The Mediterranean coastline.

• Yellow thunderstorms warnings: Northern and central Israel, as well as the West Bank.

• Yellow flash flood warnings: The Judea Desert Dead Sea area.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Israel and the West Bank, with the exception of far southeastern Israel.

• Yellow mountain obscuration warnings: Northern and central mountain ranges.

• Yellow reduced visibility warnings: The Arava area.

The Meteorology Department of Syria has warned of a drop in temperatures across the country. Showers and thunderstorms are possible in most regions and the heaviest downpours will likely occur in coastal regions. Snow is expected at high altitudes. Strong winds with gusts over 90 kph (56 mph) will cause rough seas on the western coast.

The Lebanon Meteorological Service has warned of a drop in temperatures and thick fog March 3. Rainfall is possible across the country, with isolated heavy downpours accompanied by thunder and hail storms, especially in southern regions. Wind gusts of up to 90 kph (56 mph) are possible in northern regions and snowfall is expected at high altitudes. Precipitation levels will reduce slightly early March 4, before conditions improve later in the day.

Hazardous Conditions
The adverse weather could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is particularly possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management in some urban areas, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and wadis (dry riverbeds). Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected region.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Snow in areas of higher elevation will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather could cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Mediterranean coastline if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after weather conditions have improved; it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Israel Meteorological Service
Lebanon Meteorological Service
Jordan Meteorological Department (Arabic)