Saudi Weather Alert: Taif Faces Heavy Rain and Flash Floods

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced an unstable state of the atmosphere in some regions of the western Kingdom including Makkah in thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and flash floods. Taif and other highland Governorates in the vicinity have been identified as areas which can receive substantial rainfall during these episodes.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense has requested the residents and visitors of the area to be alert and vigilant, especially in the valleys, low-lying areas and places where rain water may pool. The public has been advised to adhere to government warnings and precautions.

View this post on Instagram

Taif Among Areas Facing Heavy Rain

NCM season forecasts for the Makkah region have contained the cities of Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat as prone to moderate to heavy rains with potential flooding and hail. Downdraft winds can also stir up dust and sand, which can also lower visibility on pavement surfaces.

Weather is crucial for visitors and locals in proximity to valleys and drainage channels in Taif, which is located in a mountain hotspot area. In heavy rain, water may flow fast and deep in lower lying areas, providing very little warning of unsafe heavy flows.

Flash-Flood Risk and Road Safety

Large heavy rainfalls may generate flash flood-like flow, especially in valleys and places where having received and stocked significant amounts of water. Civil Defense guidance urges the public to steer clear of lowlands, and areas prone to the build-up of flood water in severe weather.

Motorists to be extra cautious in bad weather conditions when visibility is reduced due to rain, hail, dust or strong winds. No person should attempt to cross a road where the water seems shallow, one hoop or water truck low, or to pass through water throughout a road.

Civil Defense Safety Guidance

During the heavy rainfall, Civil Defence had always told the public to stay in safe places and refrain from entering the valleys and swimming or wading in the floods. The agency also reminds people to adhere to the guidelines provided via official news and social media platforms.

Individuals should check the current NCM forecast prior to any travel, especially traveling across mountain section roads and in known runoff areas. Conditions can rapidly shift, rather than rely on previous forecasts it might be better to refer to existing official warnings concerning the weather.

What Residents Should Know?

The newest warnings reinforce the caution advised during the days of intense thunderstorms in the entire Makkah region and Taif in particular. Heavy rain may be beneficial to drive cooler conditions to the western highlands, but heavy rain can cause localized flooding and poor driving conditions.

Therefore, residents are advised to put official information as their top priority and not get unnecessarily near flood prone areas before conditions stabilize. Civil Defence and current NCM instructions will continue to be the most important source of information to use while the weather event takes place.

FAQs

What weather is affecting Taif?

Moderate to strong thunderstorms, with the potential for interaction with hail, strong downdrafts and intensity precipitation that can cause flash flooding, are possible in Taif.

Which Makkah-region areas can be affected?

The past few days there have been warnings for areas of heavy rainfall and associated hazards such as Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat.

Is it safe to enter floodwater?

No. Avoiding the flood water is lucky, avoid valleys/areas of standing water say Civil Defense.

Don’t Miss These Stories

Looking for a Full University Scholarship in Dubai?
Learn how expat families can find and apply for 100% university scholarships.

Want to Escape the Gulf Heat?
Explore the ultimate GCC road trip to Abha and Al-Soudah.

Curious About the Canada–UAE Trade Deal?
See how the agreement could boost trade and investment between the two countries.

Interested in Doha’s Eco-Art Scene?
Discover five local upcycling initiatives reshaping Qatar’s creative community.

Looking for Something New to Watch on Netflix UAE?
Explore the latest movies and shows streaming this week.