Weather It Is (Heavy Rain/Flooding)

Good Morning:

A winter storm is approaching, and it will bring heavy rain and strong winds, as well as cool temperatures (with some snow on the Hermon).

The latest 18 GMT WRF high resolution forecast shows rain developing in the coastal cities this morning, and spreading the east to the central mountains (as well as the Jordanian and Dead Sea Valleys) this afternoon.

The high resolution forecast, which now extends out until Tuesday evening, shows 10 to 25 mm of rain in the north (with localized higher amounts), 50 to 100 mm in the center including the Metropolis of Tel-Aviv and the city of Ashkelon, as well as Jerusalem southward to Hebron.

From the area of Hebron to Beer-Sheva, the forecast shows greater than 100 mm.  From Beer-Sheva southward, the forecast shows 25 to 50 mm to the lip of Mitzpe Ramon.  Rain is also forecast southward into the Arava on the mountains to its east.

Forecast rain amounts per three hours should be between 10 and 25 mm, which will lead to flooding of streams and rivers, especially late tonight into Monday evening.

The rain should taper to showers late Monday in the north and Monday night in the center, but rain should persist in the south until late Tuesday.

This is a potentially dangerous situation for those travelling on roads prone to flooding.  Moreover, it highly recommended not to park your car anywhere near areas susceptible to flooding, even infrequently.

Barry Lynn