Saudi Arabia braces for thunderstorms, flash floods across most regions through Tuesday

RIYADH: Thunderstorms, potentially heavy rainfall and flash floods are forecast across most regions of Saudi Arabia through Tuesday, prompting Civil Defense authorities to urge residents to exercise caution and avoid valleys and flood-prone areas.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense called on the public to remain in safe locations, avoid areas where floodwaters collect and refrain from swimming in wadis and other flooded areas. It also urged residents to follow official safety instructions through media outlets and social media platforms.

The warning, carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Nov. 5, was based on forecasts from the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), which expected thunderstorms across much of the Kingdom from Friday through Tuesday.