Saudi Civil Defense Issues Thunderstorm Alert for Most Regions Until Thursday

On February 19, 2025, the General Directorate of Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent warning to residents across most regions. A series of thunderstorms is expected to persist until Thursday, February 20, potentially bringing significant weather disruptions.

Regional Impact and Precautions

• Makkah Region: Light to moderate rain with potential flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts are anticipated in areas such as Taif, Maysan, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Allaith, Qunfudah, Jeddah, and Rabigh.
• Riyadh Region: Residents might experience moderate to heavy rain accompanied by flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts. Affected cities include the capital Riyadh, Diriyah, Dhurma, Al-Muzahimiyah, Shaqra, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majmaah, Ramah, and Al-Kharj.
• Eastern Province, Qassim, Hail, and Northern Borders: Expect moderate to heavy rain throughout these regions.
• Al-Jouf, Madinah, and Al-Baha Regions: These areas will likely experience light to moderate rainfall.

Safety Measures Recommended by Civil Defense

The Saudi Civil Defense strongly advises the public to exercise caution during this period. Key safety measures include:

• Avoiding flood-prone areas such as valleys.
• Refraining from swimming in potentially hazardous water bodies.
• Staying updated with weather reports through official media and social media platforms.

The Civil Defense emphasizes the importance of being prepared for adverse weather conditions to ensure public safety. Residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines closely to mitigate risks associated with the forecasted thunderstorms.