JEDDAH — Most parts of Makkah and Madinah regions, especially the Jeddah city and other areas of the governorate, witnessed heavy rain on Monday. Many roads and squares flooded with rainwater, affecting the smooth flow of traffic on highways and streets in the cities of Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah. Moderate to heavy rains experienced in some other regions of the Kingdom, according to the report of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. Al-Shafiyah in Badr governorate in the Madinah region recorded the highest rate of rainfall with 49.2 mm while Al-Basateen district in the Jeddah city recorded the second highest rainfall with 38 mm. The Environment Agency under the ministry said that areas in the Madinah region recorded the highest amounts of rain. The Central Haram Area at the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah recorded 36.1 mm, Al-Masjid in Badr 33.6 mm, Quba Mosque 28.4 mm, Sultana neighborhood 26.8 mm, and each of Al-Suwaidriya and Badr 23.0 mm. According to the report of the ministry, the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Tabuk, Northern Borders, and Al-Jouf are receiving rain and will continue to receive during the period from nine o'clock in the morning on Sunday, January 5, until nine o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, January 7. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) said that the alert level for the city of Jeddah has been lowered from red to orange. It also indicated the possibility of moderate rain accompanied by strong winds, almost zero visibility, high waves, thunderstorms, and water accumulation. The center confirmed that the rainy conditions are still continuing in several regions. It called on the public to strictly adhere to the advisory and warnings issued by the competent authorities so as to ensure their safety. It also advised to monitor weather information through the center. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah called on travelers to contact their respective air carriers before heading to the airport to check flight schedule updates, due to the rainy situation in Jeddah. NCM Spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani said that there is possibility for the continuation of moderate to heavy rains in Jeddah governorate, stressing that the rainy situation is still continuing in the regions across the Kingdom. He called on everyone to exercise caution, follow instructions and to stay in safe places when it rains. The NCM warned of strong winds blowing in Jazan city, and the governorates of Farasan Islands, Al-Darb, and Beesh, the accompanying effects of which include a decrease in horizontal visibility, high waves, and winds reaching speeds of 40-49 km/h. The Jeddah Mayoralty has raised its readiness and dealt with the rainy conditions witnessed by the governorate, through the deployment of teams, removing water pools and treating affected sites to ensure the safety of residents and the smooth flow of traffic on public roads. The mayoralty indicated that field teams have begun implementing their tasks within 11 municipalities and 15 support centers, reinforced by 4,032 individuals and 1,811 equipment and mechanisms, in conjunction with reports received from the National Center of Meteorology. It stressed the activation of plans, taking the necessary measures and deploying teams and mechanisms, in coordination with the relevant authorities. The mayoralty called on everyone to take precautions and stay away from waterlogged areas, and avoid sources of electrical currents. It urged to report any emergency cases related to the effects of the rainy situation, through the unified number for receiving reports 940 or via Baladi application.
