Hail and Torrential Rain Hammer Saudi Arabia, Triggering Flash Flood Alerts

Hail and Torrential Rain Hammer Saudi Arabia, Triggering Flash Flood Alerts 

Saudi Arabia is currently grappling with severe weather conditions as heavy rain and hailstorms battered several regions across the country on Monday and Tuesday. The rare weather event has caused widespread disruption, with roads turning into rivers, vehicles getting stranded, and visibility dropping to near zero in some areas. Videos and images shared on social media show intense scenes of hail blanketing rooftops and streets, while emergency services work to respond to flash floods and weather-related incidents.

The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) issued multiple warnings for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail across areas including Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha. According to the alerts, residents should expect more unstable weather conditions over the coming days, with potential for continued downpours and flooding in low-lying areas.

Local authorities have urged people to stay indoors, avoid driving through flooded streets, and follow weather updates from official sources. Emergency response teams have been deployed in several regions, and the Civil Defense has been put on high alert as the storm continues to impact daily life. Several schools and businesses have also suspended operations temporarily in the hardest-hit zones.

The scenes unfolding have reignited conversations around climate shifts and infrastructure readiness in the Kingdom. Although flash floods are not new to Saudi Arabia, the increasing intensity and unpredictability of such storms have prompted calls for more resilient urban planning and stormwater management systems.

As the situation develops, residents are being advised to follow updates from the NCM and Civil Defense through social media and official apps. People are also encouraged to use real-time navigation tools to avoid dangerous zones and flooded roads.

This latest storm serves as another reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Whether it’s an isolated case or part of a growing pattern due to climate change, the need for preparedness is more urgent than ever.