Madinah braces for flash floods as Saudi weather center warns of widespread rain

RIYADH: Moderate to heavy thunderstorms, flash floods, hail and strong winds are forecast across several regions of Saudi Arabia on Saturday, with authorities warning residents and visitors to exercise caution as unsettled weather continues across much of the Kingdom.

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) said the latest weather system is expected to bring moderate to heavy thunderstorms, potentially triggering flash floods and accompanied by hail and winds stirring up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility to near zero in some areas.

The forecast covers parts of the Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim and Northern Borders regions, as well as northern parts of the Eastern Province. Similar conditions are expected in parts of Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha.