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Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across most of Saudi Arabia through at least Jan. 16. Strong wind gusts and lightning could accompany thunderstorms.
As of early Jan. 13, the Saudi Arabia National Center for Meteorology has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings (highest level on a three-tier scale): western Al Bahah and southwestern Mecca provinces.
Orange heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings: the rest of Al Bahah, western Aseer, eastern Jazan, the rest of western Mecca, and southern Riyadh provinces.
Orange fog warnings: far northeastern Eastern and western Northern Borders provinces.
Yellow heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings: the rest of central and southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Yellow fog warnings: Al Qassim, Hail, and the rest of Northern Borders provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. Rainfall is forecast to persist through at least Jan. 16.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities may issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, flooding, and/or landslides impact utility networks.
Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management in some urban areas, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and wadis (dry riverbeds). Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas – particularly desert areas – may experience high levels of dust without rain.
The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the affected area. Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.
Hazardous weather conditions may cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees’ inability to reach work sites.
Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
National Center for Meteorology – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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