Saudi Arabia: Heavy rains and flooding reported nationwide January 28

Event

Saudi authorities carried out rescue operations and closed several roads nationwide on Monday, January 28, with the General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection warning severe weather is forecast through Tuesday, January 29. General Directorate Civil Defense officials indicated at least 100 people were rescued in Tabuk and Al-Jawf provinces on January 28, after flash floods struck residential areas. Authorities have advised individuals in Riyadh, Mecca, Northern Borders province, Asir province, and Jizan province, to avoid flood-prone areas. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah also instructed passengers to confirm flight reservations in anticipation of flight delays and cancelations due to poor weather conditions. Adverse weather is expected, including high winds and potential sandstorms, in the central provinces, including in Ha'il and Al-Qassim, and parts of Eastern Province, through Tuesday. Transportation disruptions are to be expected in the affected areas over the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in Saudi Arabia are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding and transportation disruptions, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. 

Travelers flying via JED are advised to confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for the airport.