Middle East: Adverse weather forecast for Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, and Syria through at least March 19

A weather system is impacting much of the Levant region through March 19, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow at higher elevations to parts of the region. The strong winds will likely cause significant dust storms in desert regions.

The Jordan Meteorological Department has warned of the risk of flooding in valleys and low-lying areas across the country, especially in the western regions, including the Dead Sea and Aqaba region. Hazardous driving conditions are likely in areas of rainfall. Low visibility is likely in desert areas due to dust storms caused by strong winds.

The Israel Meteorological Service has issued yellow flash flood warnings over southern Israel. The Lebanon Meteorological Service has warned of heavy rainfall, with strong winds and snow at higher elevations through the evening of March 19.

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.

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.