Civil Defense urges caution amid forecast of thunderstorms hitting across Saudi Arabia through Friday

RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution amid forecast of the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) about continued thunderstorms hitting across Saudi Arabia until Friday. The Civil Defense called on the people to remain in safe locations, stay away from areas prone to flash floods and valleys, refrain from swimming in them. It urged them to adhere to instructions disseminated through various media outlets and social media platforms. According to the NCM forecast, the Makkah region will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, leading to flash floods, hail, and dust storms. This includes the areas such as Turbah, Al-Mawiyah, Al-Khurma, Raniya, Taif, Maysan, Adham, and Al-Ardiyat. Light to moderate rain is expected in Makkah, Al-Jumum, and Al-Kamil.The Riyadh region will also be affected by moderate to heavy rain leading to flash floods, hail, and dust storms. This includes the capital city of Riyadh, as well as Al-Dalam, Al-Muzahmiyah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Qiddiyah, Al-Diriyah, Al-Rayn, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Afeef, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quway’iyah, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma’a, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, and Rumah. The NCM stated that the regions of Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran will also be affected by moderate to heavy rain, leading to flash floods, hail, and dust storms.