Saudi Civil Defense warns of weather: rain and floods expected until Sunday

The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued urgent warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to weather forecasts indicating unstable conditions affecting most regions of the Kingdom. The Directorate emphasized the importance of staying in safe locations and staying away from areas prone to flash floods, valleys, and waterlogged areas, and warned against swimming in them due to the extreme danger they pose to life.

Weather details in Mecca and Riyadh

Reports indicate that the rainy weather will begin tomorrow, Friday, and continue until next Sunday. Specifically, the Makkah region by light to moderate rainfall, which may lead to flash floods in some valleys. This will be accompanied by hail and strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. The affected areas include the Holy City of Makkah, Jeddah, Rabigh, Khulais, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, and Al-Kamil.

Similarly, the Riyadh region light to moderate rainfall, which may also lead to flash floods and hail. The forecast includes the capital city of Riyadh, and the governorates of Rumah, Al Majma'ah, Az Zulfi, Al Ghat, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, Marat, Dhurma, Afif, Ad Dawadmi, Al Quway'iyah, Ar Rayn, Al Hariq, Al Muzahmiyah, Ad Dilam, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al Kharj, and Layla.

Areas affected by heavy rain

The General Directorate of Civil Defense indicated that the intensity of the rainfall will increase in other areas, with moderate to heavy rain expected, which will inevitably lead to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand. These warnings include the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Hail, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province .

Safety guidelines and the importance of adhering to instructions

These warnings come as authorities prioritize the safety of lives and property, as transitional weather periods in the Kingdom are a season for flash floods. The Directorate urged everyone to adhere to the instructions announced through various media outlets and official social media platforms.

Safety experts advise the following during these conditions:

• Avoid crossing valleys and ravines while they are flowing, no matter how low the water level is.
• Stay away from low-lying areas where water may suddenly collect.
• Secure objects that could be blown away from rooftops by downdrafts.
• Drive with extreme caution and leave sufficient distance between vehicles due to low visibility and the possibility of slippery roads.

Adherence to these instructions is a national duty and a societal responsibility to reduce unfortunate incidents that may occur as a result of negligence in dealing with fluctuating weather conditions.