Civil Defense urges caution amid forecast of continued thunderstorms through Wednesday

RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to exercise caution and remain in safe places amid forecasts of thunderstorms continuing hitting most regions of Saudi Arabia through Wednesday. The directorate called on people to avoid flood-prone areas and valleys, refrain from swimming in floodwaters, and follow instructions issued through various media outlets and social media platforms. The Civil Defense emphasized the importance of cooperation from citizens and residents and compliance with its instructions during the expected period of weather fluctuations, stressing that everyone's safety is the top priority. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) said the Makkah region would see moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially causing flash floods, hail, and downdraft winds that stir up dust and sand, along with light to moderate rainfall in other parts of the region.The NCM said Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, andNorthern Borders regions would see moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially causing flash floods, hail, and downdraft winds that stir up dust and sand. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the Madinah, Hail, and Najran regions. The NCM issued a red alert on Saturday, warning of heavy rainfall in Rahat and Mudrikah in the Makkah region, accompanied by strong winds, zero visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. NCM stated that the weather conditions are expected to continue until 9:00 p.m. In Madinah, the NCM forecasts light to moderate rainfall in the governorates of Al-Mahd, Al-Hanakiya, and Khaybar, starting Sunday and continuing until Tuesday. The center explained that the rain may be accompanied by strong winds, near-zero horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms.