JEDDAH – Several Saudis have criticized the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) for the delay in forecasting the massive sandstorm that hit Jeddah city and most parts of the region Tuesday evening. They said the PME came up with a warning more than half an hour after the sandstorm blanketed the entire Jeddah city and neighboring parts of the governorate. The PME on Wednesday issued a statement indirectly admitting the delay in forecasting Tuesday's terrible weather conditions. It said the sandstorm was the result of thunderstorm clouds with a speed of 50 km/hour suddenly changing into westerly direction from the highlands of Makkah. “The unexpected shift in the direction of wind was also instrumental in forming the sandstorm that hit southern and eastern parts of Jeddah before enveloping the entire region within a record time,” the PME said, adding that it had issued the first warning at 7 p.m. Several parents did not send their children to school on Wednesday in the wake of the sandstorm which subsided only by midnight because the Ministry of Education had not issued any statement clarifying whether there would be classes or not. Meanwhile, the Civil Defense General Directorate issued a warning on Wednesday about the possibility of fluctuations in weather, heavy rain and sandstorm. It asked the public to take utmost precaution and follow its directives when venturing out. The massive sandstorm that swept through the region on Wednesday disrupted air and road traffic. Clouds of sand that engulfed the city and surrounding areas brought down the visibility to only a few meters, forcing drivers to slow down and people to stay indoors. Several flights were suspended from King Abdulaziz International Airport while incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports.
