The search for the five people reported missing in a Jeep near the Beit Zayit Dam has been halted, Walla learned on Thursday night.
After hours of extensive searches of the dam, nearby reservoirs, and area trails, and with no evidence of the five or the Jeep, Israel Police called for the search effort to be paused, but noted that it would resume "as necessary."
The IDF received over 100 reports about the vehicle on Thursday, after it was spotted driving through floodwaters near the Beit Zayit Dam, and the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority announced the search.
Separately, emergency services rescued passengers trapped in a vehicle that was swept away by floodwater in the Kiryat Gat area. The rescued passengers were then taken away from the scene for medical examination.
Storm Byron makes landfall, causing extreme flooding
Storm Byron, an extremely powerful thunderstorm, made landfall in Israel on Wednesday night.
High winds and severe flooding were reported across the country, with storm conditions causing major transportation disruptions.
Israel Railways announced on Thursday evening that train traffic between Lod and Beersheba has been temporarily halted, "due to a signaling fault in the Kiryat Gat area caused by weather conditions."
Sections of Highway 90 and Route 4370 were closed due to flooding, Israel Police and local municipalities announced.
In Tel Aviv, two young men were rescued by Magen David Adom paramedics when their car sank into mud near Eitan Livni Street.
In Yavne, at least 14 Israelis were rescued from vehicles stuck in floodwater, according to the Fire and Rescue Service.