Eastern Mediterranean: Adverse weather forecast across much of Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, and Syria through at least Feb. 2

Adverse weather conditions are forecast across much of Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, and Syria through at least Feb. 2. A storm system is expected to pass over the region over the coming days, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds to many areas, as well as snowfall over mountainous parts of the region. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas due to rising river levels. Strong winds will also likely generate rough seas along the Mediterranean coastline.

As of Jan. 29, the Cyrpus Department of Meteorology has issued an orange thunderstorm warning across Cyprus from late Jan. 29 through late Jan. 31. Locally heavy thunderstorms are expected to affect mainly the northern half and eastern parts of Cyprus. Hourly rainfall totals of 5.5-7 cm (2.2-2.8 inches) and hail are possible during storms.

The Israel Meteorological Service has issued yellow flash flood warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for the Judean Desert Dead Sea area and yellow thunderstorm warnings across parts of northern Israel and the northern West Bank Jan. 29. Yellow rough sea warnings are in place along the Mediterranean coast and yellow mountain obscuration warnings in the central and northern mountains.

The Jordan Meteorological Department has warned of rain with heavy downpours at times over northern and central regions Jan. 29. Sustained heavy rainfall may cause flooding in valleys and low-lying areas. Snowfall and other wintry precipitation are possible in mountainous parts of the country.

The Lebanon Meteorological Service has warned that the storm system will bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, with the severe weather peaking Jan. 30 and not fully easing until Feb. 2. The service has warned of rising river levels and flooding due to heavy downpours, flying debris due to strong winds, and slippery roads and snowfall accumulations over mountain passes.

The Syrian Meteorology Department has warned of cloudy and rainy conditions across much of the country over the coming days, with the heaviest rainfall likely in coastal, northwestern, and southern regions. Snowfall is forecast in mountainous areas and rough seas along the coast.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Mediterranean coastline if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.