.jpg?20250110')
Floodwaters have engulfed cars, stranded buses, and prompted widespread rescues in Mecca and its surroundings, including Jeddah, reports the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail have hit Mecca and Medina. Rescue operations are still underway.
Videos and pictures posted on social media websites have shown cars being moved away by the force of flooding water, buses stuck in the middle of the road, and people being rescued from all corners.
Thunderstorms, heavy rains and hail hit many cities in Saudi Arabia, including mainly Mecca and Medina.
Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast more rain accompanied by thunderstorms across several regions, with a red alert in Mecca, Asir and Baha regions due to the inclement weather.
The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in parts of Asir, Al Baha and Mecca. Fog may form in some areas of these regions, it added.
Temperatures will drop and frost may form in the northern parts of the kingdom, according to the NCM.
It added that dust-stirring winds will blow and rain may fall in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Region and Jazan regions.
The General Directorate of Civil Defence has issued warnings and safety instructions, as the country braces for heavy rainfall, urging the public to stay at home, avoid valleys and waterlogged areas, and adhere to all safety directives.
Top stories for today:
HIGHWAY TO PROGRESS: The Muharraq Ring Road was opened yesterday
Call to extend dates of popular events
Bahrain set to undergo major urban redesign
&uuid=(email))