Mecca rains: Flash flood warnings and severe weather starting Saturday
The Crisis and Disaster Management Center in the Makkah Region issued an important warning to citizens and residents, alerting them to unstable weather conditions and a wave of rain expected to affect several governorates in the region, starting next Saturday. This warning is based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology, which indicate the possibility of light to moderate thunderstorms at intervals.
Warnings for highway users
In its commitment to protecting lives and property, the relevant authorities urged motorists using highways and those frequenting open areas to exercise extreme caution. The center emphasized the importance of avoiding valleys and floodplains, as well as areas prone to water accumulation resulting from rainfall, and stressed the need to adhere to instructions issued by official authorities.
Safety guidelines while driving in the rain
In light of this weather condition, traffic safety and civil defense experts consistently recommend following a set of precautionary measures when driving in rainy weather. These measures include reducing speed according to road conditions, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles to avoid skidding accidents, using hazard lights when necessary, and ensuring the windshield wipers and tires are in good working order to guarantee clear visibility and better vehicle control.
The geographical nature of Mecca and the impact of floods
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical and topographical nature of the Makkah region, which is characterized by numerous mountains, valleys, and ravines. This topography makes the area susceptible to flash floods, even during moderate rainfall, necessitating extra caution and avoiding crossing valleys, no matter how low the water level may seem, as flash floods pose a serious and imminent danger that can surprise hikers and drivers alike.
Integration between stakeholders
This proactive warning reflects the high level of coordination between the National Center for Meteorology and the Crisis and Disaster Management Center in the Makkah Region. These entities work around the clock to monitor weather changes and issue early warnings. These efforts aim to enhance the preparedness of field teams and raise public awareness of potential risks to mitigate the negative impacts of rainfall and ensure everyone's safety amidst the weather fluctuations experienced across the Kingdom during transitional seasons.
