Middle East: Adverse weather forecast for Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories, and Syria through at least March 25

A weather system is impacting much of the Levant region through March 25, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow to parts of the region at higher elevations. The strong winds will likely cause significant dust storms in desert regions.

The Lebanon Meteorological Service has warned of heavy rain, strong winds, and snow at higher elevations across Lebanon and the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The severe weather is forecast to persist through the afternoon of March 20 before subsiding and resuming March 22-25.

The Israel Meteorological Service has issued yellow high sea warnings over coastal areas and yellow mountain obscuration warnings over parts of northern and central Israel. The Jordan Meteorological Department has warned of hazardous driving conditions in rainfall areas. Low visibility is likely in mountainous areas due to fog.

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 and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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). Moderate winds and dust storms may precede significant rainfall, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high dust levels 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 are possible 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 higher elevation areas 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.

Disruptive weather could cause 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 with 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. Repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions if there is severe damage to infrastructure.