Heavy rain hits Jeddah, Schools in Makkah region closed

Jeddah(Saudi Arabia): Heavy rain hits Jeddah today, flooding streets and closing schools and universities in the Saudi city. Prince Khalid Al Faisal, governor of Makkah province and advisor to Saudi King Salman, was seen out checking the rain-soaked roads and urban areas. One video showed his convoy passing through a road which resembled a lake from above. A bulletin issued by the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection on Monday warned of inclement weather in various parts of the Kingdom, with sandstorms blowing all over Qassim and the western part of Riyadh region. Education officials in Taif and Jeddah issued separate announcements suspending schools in all levels, also citing the weather authority’s bulletin, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). It said rain and thunderstorms are expected in Madinah and Makkah regions, including the coastal areas as well as over the mountains of Jazan, Asir and Baha regions. Heavy to moderate rain associated with dust and sand storms also prevailed over Tabuk, the Northern Border, Al Jouf and Hail regions, the weather agency said. In view of the expected rains, the Directorate of Civil Defense urged everyone to move away from places that are usually flooded and to avoid going near riverbanks. Rainshowers generally attract residents in the Kingdom to go outdoors to enjoy, but the flood disaster of late 2009 had been traumatic to many particularly in Jeddah, where dozens of people perished, including some who were trapped inside cars that were swept away by floods.