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Saudi Arabia Flash Floods Risk Rises as Storms Continue
Saudi Arabia flash floods remain a major weather concern as thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rainfall, hail and strong winds continue across several parts of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged residents and visitors to remain cautious, stay in safe locations and avoid valleys, flood-prone areas and fast-moving water. The warning comes as the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) forecasts continued thunderstorms affecting parts of Makkah, Jazan, Asir, Al Baha and other regions.
The latest NCM daily forecast, issued on September 24, 2026, says moderate to heavy thunderstorms may bring torrential rain and hail to parts of Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Makkah and Madinah. Active winds may also raise dust and reduce visibility.
Saudi Arabia Flash Floods: Which Regions Face Heavy Rain?
The weather system is affecting multiple regions, but some areas face a higher risk of heavy rainfall and flooding.
Makkah Region
Parts of the Makkah region are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall. The NCM specifically identifies areas including Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al Ardiyat as locations where heavier rain could occur.
Makkah city, Al Kamil, Al Jumum and Bahra may see lighter to moderate rainfall.
Heavy downpours can quickly create water accumulation and flooding, particularly around low-lying areas and valleys.
Jazan, Asir and Al Baha
The southern and southwestern regions are also under close weather monitoring.
Jazan, Asir and Al Baha are expected to experience moderate to heavy rain, with possible hail, flash floods and dust-raising winds. The NCM’s early-warning system currently shows red and orange alerts in several locations within these regions.
Madinah and Other Areas
Madinah is also included in the latest NCM forecast, while parts of Tabuk, Al Jouf and the Northern Borders may experience thundercloud development and active winds.
Why Saudi Arabia Flash Floods Can Become Dangerous Quickly
Flash floods can develop rapidly when intense rainfall falls over a short period, especially around valleys and low-lying terrain.
Saudi Civil Defense warns that people should not attempt to cross valleys or flowing water during heavy rainfall. Its official guidance also advises residents to stay away from water accumulation, avoid flooded areas and follow instructions issued through official channels.
Even roads that appear passable can become dangerous when water levels rise or currents strengthen.
For motorists, this means avoiding roads covered by flowing water rather than attempting to drive through them.
Critical Safety Advice During the Storms
Saudi Civil Defense has repeatedly issued safety guidance for periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
1. Stay Away From Valleys
Residents should avoid valleys and areas known to collect or channel stormwater. Civil Defense specifically warns against crossing valleys during flash floods.
2. Never Swim or Enter Floodwater
Floodwater can move quickly and may conceal deep sections, debris or other hazards. Authorities advise the public not to swim in flooded areas or approach fast-moving water.
3. Avoid Outdoor Areas During Thunderstorms
During thunderstorms, Civil Defense advises people to seek shelter indoors or inside vehicles and stay away from trees and metal structures.
4. Drive With Extra Caution
Strong winds, dust and rain can reduce visibility significantly. Drivers should monitor official warnings and avoid flooded roads, valleys and low-lying routes.
5. Follow Official Alerts
The NCM’s early-warning system categorizes alerts by severity. A red alert indicates a severe weather phenomenon or flooding and calls for full caution and compliance with Civil Defense instructions.
Saudi Arabia Flash Floods and Reduced Visibility
Heavy rain is not the only concern.
The NCM says thunderstorms may be accompanied by active winds capable of raising dust and sand. This can create hazardous driving conditions by reducing horizontal visibility.
Hail is another potential hazard in areas affected by stronger thunderstorms.
People travelling between cities or through mountainous areas should therefore check the latest weather alerts before beginning their journey.
What Saudi Civil Defense Says About Saudi Arabia Flash Floods
Saudi Civil Defense has a dedicated public-safety guide for rain and torrential-flow hazards. It advises people to monitor weather bulletins, avoid road trips during dangerous conditions, stay away from valleys and water pools, and never risk crossing flowing water.
The authority also advises people to avoid touching fallen electrical wires or wet electrical equipment after flooding and to wait for official guidance before returning to areas affected by severe weather.
For emergencies, Civil Defense says people should call 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Region, while 998 is used in other parts of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia Flash Floods: What Residents Should Do Now
Residents in affected areas should keep monitoring updates from the Saudi National Center for Meteorology and Saudi Civil Defense.
The NCM’s current forecast confirms that thunderstorms and heavy rain remain possible across parts of the Kingdom, particularly Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Makkah and Madinah.
People should avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay away from valleys and flooded roads, and follow evacuation or safety instructions issued by authorities.
For additional travel-related updates, readers can also explore Digismartiens.
Final Thoughts
The continuing weather system means Saudi Arabia flash floods remain a serious safety concern in areas receiving intense rainfall. Makkah, Jazan, Asir and Al Baha are among the regions facing significant thunderstorm activity, while hail, strong winds and reduced visibility could create additional hazards.
The safest approach is to monitor official NCM alerts, remain away from valleys and floodwater, avoid crossing flooded roads and follow Civil Defense instructions until the weather situation improves.
Source: Gulf News, Saudi National Center for Meteorology and Saudi Civil Defense.
