Red alert in Saudi Arabia: Heavy rain in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Qassim
The National Center for Meteorology has raised the alert level to "red alert" in the Riyadh, Eastern, and Qassim regions, following the detection of extreme weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and near-zero horizontal visibility. This measure is part of proactive efforts to warn residents and relevant authorities and ensure maximum preparedness.
Civil defense mobilization and urgent warnings
In conjunction with the weather report, the General Directorate of Civil Defense all its personnel and equipment, issuing immediate warnings to citizens and residents in the affected areas. The Directorate stressed the need for caution and vigilance, urging everyone to stay away from areas where water accumulates, including valleys and dams, which may experience a sudden rise in water levels, posing a serious threat to lives and property.
Red alert implications and climate context
The "red alert" is the highest level of warning in the National Center for Meteorology's automated early warning system. It signifies a severe weather phenomenon requiring immediate action and strict adherence to instructions from relevant authorities. This rainfall is part of the Kingdom's winter rainy season, which is often characterized by sharp and rapid weather fluctuations, necessitating continuous monitoring of current weather forecasts.
Effects of the rainy weather and safety measures
Heavy rainfall is expected to cause flash floods in valleys and ravines, and may also disrupt traffic within cities and on highways connecting the three regions (Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Qassim). In this context, security and traffic authorities have urged drivers to reduce their speed, maintain safe distances, and avoid driving during periods of heavy rainfall unless absolutely necessary.
The importance of adhering to official instructions
Authorities emphasized that public awareness is the first line of defense in such circumstances. They urged everyone to obtain information only from official sources, such as the Civil Defense and the National Center for Meteorology accounts, and to disregard rumors that could incite panic. It is worth noting that the Kingdom's infrastructure operates under seasonal emergency plans to manage rainwater and flash floods, ensuring the safety of residents and the continuation of daily life with minimal disruption.
