09 Aug 2023 | 10:18 AM UTC
Saudi Arabia: Adverse weather forecast across western regions through at least Aug. 14 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across western Saudi Arabia through at least Aug. 14. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and dust storms, are forecast across parts of western Saudi Arabia through at least Aug. 14. Heavy downpours could result in flooding in parts of the affected region. Strong winds could generate dust storms, and transport disruptions are possible due to the reduced visibility caused by the rising dust.
As of Aug. 9, the National Center for Meteorology has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Red strong wind and dust storm warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of western Aseer and northwestern Jazan.
Orange heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings: Parts of central and southern Aseer and eastern Jazan provinces.
Orange dust storm warnings: Parts of western Al Bahah, central and southern Jazan, and southwestern Mecca provinces.
Yellow heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings: Parts of northern and western Aseer Province.
Yellow dust storm warnings: Parts of northern and southeastern Medina and much of Tabuk provinces.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Parts of central and eastern Al Bahah, the Farasan Islands in Jazan, central and western Mecca, and western Medina provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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 lack of 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 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). Moderate winds and dust storms may precede significant rainfall, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain.
Transport
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 might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.
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.
Advice
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.
