Middle East: Authorities warn of heavy rainfall and possible flooding across southern Iran, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait through Jan. 6

Event

Authorities have warned of heavy rain and possible flash flooding in southern Iran, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait through at least Jan. 6. Authorities in Saudi Arabia have warned that moderate to heavy rain is likely to continue; orange (the mid-level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain warnings are in place over Jazan Province. Iran has issued red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) warnings for heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, and hail across Hormozgan Province, through Jan. 4. Heavy rain is also likely in Iran's Bushehr, Fars, Kerman, and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. The United Arab Emirates National Center for Meteorology has issued yellow strong wind and heavy rain warnings across the eastern part of the country.

Authorities in Hormozgan Province, Iran have evacuated the areas near Bardol Dam in Parsian City and Sarzeh Kharuk in Bandar Abbas City. At least six people have died in Oman due to flooding. Reports indicate that power outages have occurred in Bandar Abbas, Parsian, Qeshm, Rudan, and Bastak cities in Hormozgan Province, Iran since early Jan. 3; authorities estimate that power will be restored by 12:00 Jan. 3. In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, many houses have been damaged by heavy rain, especially in Al Qudra.

Hazardous Conditions
Further 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 stormwater drainage systems. Sites located 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 could issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services may occur where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the regions. In Iran, the road between Minab and Bandar Abbas is closed at Azadegan and Aliabad due to flooding, while the main road from Jask to Bashagard counties is closed due to the overflow of the Sharifi River. Liwa, Sohar, Samail, Sur, and Wahibah towns in Oman are completely cut off due to flooding. Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Additionally, ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. While some delays have occurred at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), air traffic is operating normally and authorities have activated an emergency plan to deal with the heavy rain. The disruptive weather could cause delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions could 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.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Kuwait Department of Meteorology
Hormozgan Meteorological Administration (Persian)
Oman Directorate General of Meteorology (Arabic)
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Center for Meteorology (Arabic)
United Arab Emirates National Center for Meteorology