Saudi meteorology center warns of heavy rain across Kingdom, public told to avoid flood-prone areas

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom that could lead to flash floods, and officials cautioned the public against venturing in low-lying places prone to flooding.

In its weather forecast for Sunday, the meteorology center said “moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected, leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail showers and active winds that will stir up dust and sand” in several provinces of the Kingdom.

These include Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and parts of the Eastern Province. Light to moderate storms are expected in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf and Tabuk, the NCM said.

In a separate advisory, the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to avoid places prone to flash floods and valleys at least until December 18.

A lake forms in the desert following days of rain in Rafha city in the Northern Borders Province, near the Saudi border with Iraq. (SPA)

Saudi meteorology center warns of heavy rain across Kingdom, public told to avoid flood-prone areas

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