Middle East: Adverse weather forecast across Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia through at least May 4

Severe weather is forecast across Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia through at least May 4. Thundery showers and strong winds are forecast across parts of central and eastern Saudi Arabia April 29 before spreading to Bahrain and Qatar from late April 30, with the peak of the severe weather likely May 1-2. Strong winds may generate dust storms in arid areas and rough sea conditions. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of April 29, the Meteorological Directorate of Bahrain has issued a press release warning that a depression over the Arabian Peninsula will bring unstable weather to the kingdom from late April 30 through at least early May 4. The system will bring rainfall of varying intensity and thunderstorms, as well as strong winds and rough sea conditions.

Qatar's Department of Meteorology issued a weather report warning of cloudy conditions with possible showers from late April 30 through May 4, with moderate-to-heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds likely May 1-2.

Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and dust storms across parts of the country over the coming days. As of April 29, the NCM has issued the following weather warnings across Saudi Arabia:

• Red heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Across Al Bahah, Al Qassim, and Hail, much of Mecca and Medina, and parts of central Aseer, eastern Jazan, central, northern, and western Riyadh, and eastern Tabuk provinces.

• Red dust storm warnings: Across Najran and parts of southern Riyadh provinces.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Across Al Jowf and Northern Borders and parts of eastern Aseer, northern Eastern, central Jazan, western Mecca, western Medina, eastern Riyadh, and central and northern Tabuk.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Parts of western Aseer, central and southern Eastern, western Mecca, and southern and western Tabuk provinces.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

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 may issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds or flooding 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 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 regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.

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.