Red alert: Heavy rains and flash floods threaten the regions of Asir, Al-Baha and Jazan

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its highest level of warning on Tuesday, issuing a "red alert" covering large parts of the Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan regions. The report warns of heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods, accompanied by strong winds, hail, thunderstorms, and near-zero horizontal visibility.

Details of the rainfall situation and affected areas

According to the warning details, the severe rainfall will affect several governorates and vital cities across the three regions, necessitating the utmost caution. The affected areas are distributed as follows:

• Asir region: Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al-Harjah, Al-Raboua, Al-Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Al-Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
• Al-Baha region: Al-Aqiq, Al-Qura, Al-Baha, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
• Jazan region: Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.

Climate context and the importance of warnings

These warnings come within the context of typical weather patterns in the southwestern regions of the Kingdom, characterized by mountainous terrain that contributes to cloud formation and seasonal rainfall. However, the “red” alert indicates that the current weather conditions are more severe than normal, increasing the likelihood of damage and flash floods. Despite their occasional dangers, these rains play a vital role in replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting agriculture in these areas, which are among the most fertile in the Kingdom.

Expected impacts and the role of stakeholders

This weather system is expected to have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents. Strong winds may cause unsecured objects to be blown away, while flash floods pose a significant threat on roads and in valleys. The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued warnings to citizens and residents to stay away from floodplains and valleys, exercise caution while driving, and follow the continuous updates from official sources. Civil Defense teams and security agencies are working to raise their level of preparedness to deal with any emergency that may arise from these weather fluctuations.

Another warning: Dust storms in the eastern region

In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology issued another alert regarding active surface winds causing dust storms in parts of the Eastern Province, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Nu'ayriyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. This condition is expected to reduce horizontal visibility to 3-5 kilometers, potentially affecting traffic on highways. The dust storm is expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM, and those with respiratory conditions are advised to take necessary precautions.