Civil Defence bans valley crossings as Kingdom-wide storm alerts persist

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defence (GDCD) issued an emergency weather warning on Monday, 26 October, advising residents to prepare for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential flash floods across the Kingdom until Friday, 30 October. The alert follows a forecast from the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), which predicts moderate to heavy rain and hailstorms in the Makkah region. These conditions are expected to trigger flash floods and strong downdraft winds, which may generate dust storms and significantly reduce road visibility. Regions affected by severe weather The NCM confirmed that similar weather patterns will impact a broad geographical area, including Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, and Madinah. Northern and eastern territories, including Hail, Qassim, Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province, are also under alert for hailstorms and blowing dust. Civil Defence officials have directed the public to remain in safe locations and strictly avoid crossing valleys or areas prone to water accumulation. The authority specifically warned against swimming in floodwaters, a practice that has previously led to emergency rescues during seasonal storms. Safety protocols and monitoring The warning is prompted by the latest atmospheric data indicating a period of high instability across the Arabian Peninsula. Authorities are utilizing traditional and social media platforms to disseminate real-time updates and safety instructions. Residents and…