Major Traffic Closures and Storm Warnings Expected Across Israel This Weekend

Major traffic disruptions are expected across central Israel and other regions this weekend, driven by extensive electrical infrastructure upgrades and a severe storm warning forecasting heavy precipitation and potential flooding. Police have strongly advised the public to avoid non-essential travel.

Ayalon Highway Closures and Schedules

As part of a project to upgrade the power grid in the Sharon and Gush Dan regions, the Israel Electric Corporation will carry out complex engineering works to replace high-voltage power cables crossing the Ayalon Highway (Route 20) and the adjacent railway tracks. The operations are coordinated with the Israel Police, Ayalon Highways Company, and security forces.

Total traffic closures on Route 20 will take place during two main windows:

First window: From Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 23:30 until Friday, November 6, 2026, at 16:00.
Second window: From Saturday night, November 7, 2026, at 23:00 until Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 05:00.

Northbound traffic will be blocked entirely from Glilot East Interchange to the Seven Stars Interchange, with the Route 5 entrance ramp to northbound Route 20 also closed. Southbound traffic will be blocked from HaMa'apilim Interchange to Glilot East Interchange, alongside closures of the Seven Stars and Shfayim East entrance ramps. Drivers are advised to use alternative coastal and inland routes such as Route 2, Route 4, and Route 5, and to utilize real-time navigation apps.

Israel Railways Modifications and Shuttle Services

Infrastructure works will directly impact train services along the coastal corridor. On Friday, November 6, and Saturday night, November 7, trains will operate on a split or shortened schedule without continuous service through northern Tel Aviv and Herzliya stations.

Key line adjustments include:

Modi'in Center – Nahariya, Beersheba Center – Nahariya, and Ashkelon – Binyamina lines will be split into southern and northern segments, with southern trains terminating at Tel Aviv Savidor Center and northern trains starting at Herzliya.
Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon – Herzliya and Beit Shemesh – Netanya lines will truncate at Tel Aviv Savidor Center.

Israel Railways will operate free shuttle buses to bridge the gaps in service. Regular train schedules are expected to resume on Sunday, November 8, at 04:00, prior to the reopening of the highways.

Severe Weather and Flood Warnings

Concurrently, the Israel Meteorological Service, Israel Police, and Israel Fire and Rescue Services have issued warnings for a severe storm lasting from Friday morning until Sunday, bringing rainfall totals exceeding 100 millimeters across wide areas from the north to the southern coast.

Emergency instructions emphasize strict safety measures:

Crossing flooded roads, deep puddles, or water channels on foot or by vehicle is strictly prohibited due to life-threatening risks.
The public is urged to cancel non-essential trips, avoid hiking near streams and flood-prone zones, and stay away from underground facilities, basements, and elevators during heavy downpours.
For immediate assistance, citizens can reach the police at 100, police information at 110, fire and rescue at 102, and the Israel Electric Corporation at 103.