Intense storm brings downpours and high winds to Saudi Arabia, video evidence displays destructive weather conditions
Severe Weather Hits Saudi Arabia's Southwest, Causing Flooding and Hailstorms
Southwestern regions of Saudi Arabia, including Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Mecca, and Taif, have been hit by severe weather conditions in the past few days. The extreme weather is due to moderate to heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds, leading to flash flooding and significant drops in temperature.
The impact of the severe weather is evident across the affected regions. Heavy hail and rain have blanketed the ground, particularly in Taif, creating scenes unusual for the region during summer. Localised flash floods have caused hazardous travel conditions, with floodwaters rushing through streets. Strong winds have added to the severity of the thunderstorms, increasing the risk of property damage and dangerous sea conditions along the Red Sea coast.
Lower temperatures have temporarily replaced the typical hot climate, leading to winter-like scenes in some areas. Residents in Taif have reported a significant drop in temperature due to this weather event.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and the General Directorate of Civil Defense have issued alerts and warnings for thunderstorms, strong winds, and flash flooding, particularly in the southwestern regions of the country. The NCM is actively monitoring the situation and has urged residents to exercise caution, avoid driving on wet roads, and stay away from valleys and low-lying flood-prone areas.
Coastal areas face varying sea conditions with rough waves up to 2 meters due to storm clouds and strong winds. These warnings remain in place with forecasts indicating that moderate to heavy thunderstorms and rain will continue in the affected regions for several days.
Footage shared on social media channels like storm_ae shows heavy rain and hail pounding down in various regions, including the city of Taif. The storms are causing significant disruption to the usual activities in the affected areas.
The NCM's warnings are urging residents to take precautions to ensure their safety during the storms. Residents are advised to stay indoors during the storms and to avoid unnecessary travel. The extreme weather conditions are still affecting the city of Taif, with hail covering the landscape and causing localised flooding.
In summary, the severe weather event in Saudi Arabia's southwest is caused by ongoing intense thunderstorms and convective storm activity linked to regional atmospheric instability, resulting in heavy hail, rainfall, flash floods, and strong winds. The NCM and the General Directorate of Civil Defense are urging public safety, with active meteorological and civil defense warnings in place.
- The exceptional weather patterns in Taif, a region affected by these severe conditions, have resulted in unusual scenes of heavy hail and rainfall, typically unseen during summer months.
- News about the flash floods caused by the severe weather conditions in southwestern Saudi Arabia have disrupted usual activities in these areas, creating hazardous travel conditions and temporary road blockages.
- As the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) continues to monitor the environmental-science aspect of the severe weather, their forecasts predict that moderate to heavy thunderstorms and rain will persist for several more days, potentially impacting food production and affecting local agricultural industries.
