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Transport chaos as huge storm sweeps through Israel

Israel has ground to a halt in what is being called the worst storm in a decade. Roads, railways and airports have shut, rivers have reached capacity and now community centres are being opened in preparation for potential evacuations.

January 8, 2013 14:22
Traffic grinds to a halt in Tel Aviv (Photo: Flash 90)

ByAnna Sheinman, Anna Sheinman

1 min read

Israel has ground to a halt in what is being called the worst storm in a decade.

Roads, railways and airports have shut, rivers have reached capacity and now community centres are being opened in preparation for potential evacuations.

The Ayalon River near Tel Aviv, normally dry, has now burst its banks as a storm system engulfed central Israel in the early hours of Tuesday. The river is showing its highest water flow in 20 years.

Community centres in Tel Aviv have been opened in preparation for potential evacuations and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai has said that the city is prepared to help people leave their homes if necessary.