Red alert: Heavy rains and floods in Riyadh and the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent, high-level warning, launching a "red alert" regarding the expected weather conditions in large parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh, indicating a severe state of atmospheric instability that requires the utmost caution and vigilance from citizens and residents.
Weather details for the Eastern Province
According to the center's report, the Eastern Province, specifically Hafr Al-Batin Governorate and its surrounding open areas and highways, will be at the heart of the rainfall. The meteorological department has warned of very heavy rainfall accompanied by severe weather phenomena, including high-speed winds that could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility, as well as heavy hail.
The center warned of the risk of flash floods and severe thunderstorms. The warning period in these areas begins at 1:00 AM on Thursday and continues until 2:00 PM that same day, urging people to avoid highways during this time except in cases of extreme necessity.
Red alert in the Riyadh region
The capital and its surrounding provinces were not spared from these weather fluctuations, with a red alert issued for parts of the Riyadh region, particularly the provinces of Dawadmi and Afif. The weather forecast here is similar to that of the Eastern Province, predicting heavy rainfall accompanied by strong downdrafts and hail.
The National Center for Meteorology has set the timing of the weather event in Riyadh to begin at 11:00 PM on Wednesday and continue until 10:00 AM on Thursday, a critical period coinciding with the early morning hours and morning commuting.
What does a red alert mean?
The "Red Alert" is the highest level of alert in the National Center for Meteorology's automated early warning system. This color indicates severe or violent weather phenomena requiring immediate precautionary measures and strict adherence to instructions from relevant authorities. This system is part of the Kingdom's efforts to enhance public safety and reduce the risks posed by natural disasters.
Geographical context and importance of the warning
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the affected areas. For example, Hafr al-Batin Governorate lies at the confluence of several valleys and ravines, historically making it vulnerable to flash floods during heavy rainfall. The same applies to the open areas of Dawadmi and Afif, where the flat terrain increases wind speed and water flow.
Public safety recommendations
Given these conditions, relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, emphasize the necessity of staying completely away from valleys and flood channels, and not attempting to cross them regardless of the water level. Drivers on highways are also advised to exercise extreme caution due to potential skidding and reduced visibility, and to remain in safe locations until the rain subsides.
