Civil Defense warnings: Heavy rains and floods hit Riyadh and several other regions
The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued urgent warnings to citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to the rainy weather affecting several regions. These warnings come in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology indicating continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms, necessitating strict adherence to preventative guidelines to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Weather details and forecasts
According to the National Center for Meteorology's weather report, large parts of the Kingdom are expected to experience severe weather fluctuations. The forecast includes thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility and causing flash floods in valleys and ravines. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated in the Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and Eastern Province regions, as well as parts of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan.
The report also indicated the possibility of light to moderate rainfall in other areas including Medina, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders, with chances of dense fog that may impede traffic in the early morning and late night hours.
The climatic and seasonal context in the Kingdom
These weather fluctuations occur within the context of the usual rainy seasons that Saudi Arabia experiences during seasonal transitions and winter. These periods are typically characterized by the activity of low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea or moist extensions from the Arabian Sea, leading to atmospheric instability. These rains are crucial for the Kingdom's desert environment, contributing to groundwater replenishment and the flourishing of vegetation. However, they can also pose a risk when they fall heavily over short periods, potentially causing flash floods.
The importance of warnings and preventive measures
The Civil Defense stressed the importance of staying away from areas where water accumulates, valleys, and dams, and not attempting to cross them during flash floods, as many tragic accidents occur due to underestimating the force of the water flow. The Directorate also urged the public to follow official media outlets and the Civil Defense and National Center for Meteorology accounts on social media platforms to obtain the latest information.
These proactive warnings play a pivotal role in managing crises and natural disasters, as they aim to raise the readiness of the concerned authorities and educate the community about potential risks, thus reducing human and material losses and enhancing the public safety system in the Kingdom.
