The usually sunny and warm tourist city of Eilat was hit by rain on Friday afternoon. The rain storm caused flooding and many delays throughout the city.
The city’s airport was flooded and closed for flights, cars were seen floating in the streets and houses filled with water as the heavy rains flooded the city.
Channel 2 News reported that at one point the access road to the city was blocked but was subsequently re-opened to traffic. Police were on the scene, treating hazards caused by weather.
According to the Israeli Meteorological Service, Eilat received 16.5 millimeters of rain in total on Friday.
One Arkia flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat on Friday afternoon was forced to land at the Ovda Airport north of the city, after the runway in the city airport was flooded. The passengers were taken by bus to Eilat.
On Friday morning in the Ramat Aviv area of north Tel Aviv, a storm downed power lines, leading to blackouts. Electric Company spokespeople said the company dealt with the problem immediately, and electricity was restored within an hour.
In Bat Yam, strong winds toppled a tree. The tree hit two parked cars, but fortunately did not cause injury.
The wet weather is expected to continue through the Sabbath and into the beginning of next week.
Leave a Reply