Saudi Arabia: Torrential Rains Lash Mecca, Madinah; Videos Show Vehicles Being Swept On Flooded Roads

The highest rainfall so far has been recorded in Al-Shafiyah in Badr governorate at 49.2 mm, followed by Jeddah's Al-Basateen at 38 mm.

Saudi Arabia's Mecca and Madinah were lashed by heavy rains, causing heavy flooding on roads and traffic disruptions.

Source : X@abdullah_HSS_

The typically dry landscape of Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia, which used to be known for its arid desert climate is once again being swept by heavy rainfall, hail, and thunderstorms. The Jeddah city and the surrounding areas are also being lashed by torrential rains, causing flooding and massive traffic disruptions. 

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture said that various other regions across Saudi Arabia are experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall, adding that the regions of Mecca, Medina, Tabuk, Northern Borders, Qassim, and Al Jouf will continue to experience rain throughout Tuesday, January 7. Amid the ongoing adverse weather conditions, the authorities in the Kingdom have urged residents to adhere to the safety guidelines and exercise due diligence while going out, the Gulf News reported.

The highest rainfall so far has been recorded in Al-Shafiyah in Badr governorate at 49.2 mm, followed by Jeddah's Al-Basateen at 38 mm. Central Haram area at the Prophet's mosque in Medina recorded 36.1 mm rainfall, while the area near Quba mosque recorded 28.4 mm rainfall.

The King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has advised travelers to first check with their airlines regarding updates on flight schedule due to the weather conditions. The airport, according to Makkah's official social media handle, reported that wind speeds touched 116.68 km/h.

The National Center of Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has warned of strong winds in Jazan city along with reduced visibility and high waves in Farasan Islands, Al-Darb, and Beesh, Gulf News reported.

On Monday, Rabigh observed a waterspout which was the strongest of its kind, triggering the waves and leading them to reach the shoreline. NCM Spokesperson Hussein Al Qahtani said the research department will study the phenomenon in detail.

As rainfall continued to lash Saudi Arabia, various videos from the affected regions including Jeddah, circulated online on social media platforms. These videos showed cars, bikes, buses being stranded due to heavy rain and severe waterlogging. 

In one of the videos, a man was seen rescuing a delivery man who fell off his bike and was unable to restore balance due to the floods.

مندوب هنقرستيشن والحمد لله على السلامه ..⛈#مكه_الان#جده_الان pic.twitter.com/yB9DlvYP9v

— أخبار عاجلة .. (@newsnow7345) January 6, 2025

#فيديو
أمطار #العاصمة_المقدسة
.
🎥.. عبدالإله السلمي pic.twitter.com/mhELJ4MqGr

— إمارة منطقة مكة المكرمة (@makkahregion) January 6, 2025

🚨 سيول تضرب كبري الشميسي الآن غرب مكة ..⛈🌊

تنبية وجب الحذر ..⚠️#مكه_الان #جده_الان pic.twitter.com/OTZ0jCwCzk

— أخبار عاجلة .. (@newsnow7345) January 6, 2025

In another video, a car was being seen swept away by gushing water on a flooded road as it tried to cross it. 

#رساله_اليوم
أمزح مع صديقك مع أخوك، بل حتى مع شخص في الشارع لا تعرفه..
ولكن لا تمزح مع السيل، فإنه لا يحب المزح.#مكه_الان #امطار_جده #جده_lلان#الطايف_الان #امطار_المدينه pic.twitter.com/HsyZgjHtep

— ؏ـبدﷲ الشعيل (@abdullah_HSS_) January 6, 2025

 

In order to manage the situation caused due to excessive rains, the Jeddah Mayoralty deployed teams to manage the conditions and remove waterlogging to ensure smooth traffic flow. Around 4,032 personnel and 1,811 pieces of equipment were deployed across 11 municipalities and 15 support centres, Gulf News reported.

Additionally, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Mecca mobilised 1,420 staff members, 149 vehicles, and air ambulance services to be prepared amid the weather-related warnings. 

The authorities have advises citizens to stay away from waterlogged areas, cooperate with ambulance teams, avoid electrical hazards, and use the Baladi app or report emergencies via 940 and 997.

Saudi's NMC issued red alerts for several regions and shut down public places. Schools in Riyadh and Eastern Province also moved online. 

Although the weather warning was lowered in Jeddah from red to orange, the NCM warned that moderate rain, reduced visibility, thunderstorms, high waves, and strong winds will continue in the region.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Press Agancy has said that heavy rain, flash floods, hailstorms, and high winds will likely persist till Wednesday, January 8, Gulf News reported.