Red alert in the Eastern Province: Heavy rains, flash floods, and urgent warnings

The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia witnessed rapidly evolving weather conditions on Thursday, with the National Center for Meteorology raising its alert level to "red," the highest level of warning, in several northern provinces of the region. This measure comes as part of close and continuous monitoring of the weather fluctuations affecting the Kingdom, amid official warnings of heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods.

Weather details and affected cities

According to reports from the National Center for Meteorology, cumulonimbus clouds have begun to form densely, prompting the issuance of a red alert for the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya . Weather forecasts indicate that these areas will not only experience normal rainfall but will also be subjected to heavy rain accompanied by hail and strong winds that may lead to reduced horizontal visibility, with a high probability of flash floods in valleys and ravines.

In a related development, coastal cities were not spared the effects of this weather system, with Dammam, Khobar, and Jubail all appearing orange. The weather forecast predicts moderate rainfall in these cities, accompanied by surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, leading to higher waves and rough seas in the Arabian Gulf. This necessitates caution for seafarers and fishermen.

The situation in Al-Ahsa varies, and traffic warnings are in place

On the other hand, Al-Ahsa Governorate experienced relative calm compared to the northern governorates, where a yellow alert was issued. Forecasts indicate a possibility of light rain and reduced horizontal visibility, but authorities have confirmed that the situation is subject to change and that continuous monitoring of weather updates is crucial until late evening.

The importance of the early warning system and the general context

The National Center for Meteorology's automated early warning system is a cornerstone of weather-related crisis management in the Kingdom. In Saudi meteorological protocols, the color "red" indicates severe or violent weather phenomena requiring the utmost caution and immediate compliance with Civil Defense instructions. This rainfall is part of the rainy season affecting various regions of the Kingdom, which is often characterized by rapid fluctuations and heavy precipitation, reflecting the climate changes impacting the region as a whole.

Safety and Civil Defense Guidelines

In response to these warnings, the General Directorate of Civil Defense and security authorities stressed the need for caution, especially for those traveling on highways connecting the northern governorates and the Eastern Province, where near-zero visibility is expected. The relevant authorities urged citizens and residents to:

• Postpone non-essential road travel until the expected rainstorm subsides before midnight.
• Stay completely away from valleys and flood channels, and do not risk crossing them no matter how high the water level is.
• Avoid low-lying areas and water pools in open areas.

These proactive measures confirm the keenness of the concerned authorities in the Kingdom to protect lives and property, by harnessing all technical capabilities to monitor the weather and disseminate warnings well in advance of the peak of the situation.