Civil Defense warns of heavy thunderstorms, flash floods across Kingdom until Wednesday

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to exercise caution as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Wednesday.The directorate called on residents to remain in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flash flooding, and refrain from swimming in floodwaters.It also stressed the importance of following official safety instructions issued through media outlets and social media platforms.According to forecasts from the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in parts of the Makkah region, including Taif, Adham, Maysan and Al-Ardiyat.The rainfall could trigger flash floods, hailstorms and strong downdraft winds that stir up dust and sand.Light to moderate rainfall is also forecast in Makkah city, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Al-Qunfudhah and Al-Lith.The regions of Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha are expected to experience moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by flash floods, hail and dust-raising winds.Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall is forecast across Madinah, Hail, Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, Tabuk and the Eastern Province.Civil Defense reiterated its call for the public to take necessary precautions and comply with official warnings to ensure their safety during the period of unstable weather.