Heavy Rain Hits Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah: Impact on Traffic and Public Safety

JEDDAH — On Monday, heavy rainfall across several regions of Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah caused significant disruptions, including flooding on roads and streets, which led to traffic congestion in these cities. The downpours, which affected various areas of the Makkah and Madinah regions, also brought moderate to heavy rain to other parts of the Kingdom, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

Record Rainfall in Madinah and Jeddah

Al-Shafiyah, located in Badr governorate in Madinah, recorded the highest rainfall at 49.2 mm, followed by the Al-Basateen district in Jeddah with 38 mm. In addition to these, areas in the Madinah region, including the Central Haram Area at the Prophet's Mosque (36.1 mm) and Quba Mosque (28.4 mm), experienced significant rainfall. Other regions also recorded considerable amounts, leading to rising water levels and traffic disruptions in multiple areas.

Continuing Rain and Weather Alerts

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued warnings for continued rain throughout the Kingdom, particularly in Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Tabuk, Northern Borders, and Al-Jouf. These conditions are expected to persist from January 5 to January 7. The NCM downgraded the alert level for Jeddah from red to orange but maintained warnings for moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, reduced visibility, and the potential for thunderstorms and high waves.

The NCM advised the public to stay updated with the latest weather reports and adhere to safety guidelines issued by authorities.

Airport and Travel Updates

Due to the ongoing rainy conditions in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport recommended that travelers check with airlines for flight updates before heading to the airport, as the weather has impacted schedules.

Local Government Response to Flooding

The Jeddah Mayoralty has taken action to manage the rainy conditions, deploying teams to clear waterlogged areas and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Over 4,000 personnel and hundreds of pieces of equipment have been mobilized to assist in this effort. The mayoralty has also emphasized the importance of public safety, advising residents to avoid waterlogged areas and stay clear of electrical hazards.

Continued Caution and Preparedness

The NCM further warned of strong winds in Jazan city, as well as in the governorates of Farasan Islands, Al-Darb, and Beesh, which could result in decreased visibility and high waves. Local authorities are urging everyone to exercise caution, follow instructions, and stay indoors when possible to ensure their safety.

Residents are encouraged to report any emergencies through the unified emergency number 940 or the Baladi application. The weather situation remains ongoing, with authorities closely monitoring conditions to ensure public safety.