mail circulating here warning of a hurricane to hit Riyadh and cause 70 cm of rainfall is a hoax according to the Presidency for Meteorology and Environment. “This is not true, and people should be informed to get their information from credible sources,” said meteorologist Hassan Mearh from the Presidency for Meteorology and Environment. The e-mail states: “The US Navy expected the arrival of the hurricane to the Sultanate of Oman and then to the Saudi capital Riyadh where it will be at its most power. The anticipated hurricane will be directed towards the Arabian Peninsula until it reaches Riyadh and the Eastern Region, and expectations are that the ratio of rain to hit Riyadh 70 mm especially south of it.” Mearh advised people to visit the Presidency for Meteorology and Environment website www.pme.gov.sa for information and for such warnings. The e-mail caused panic to some in Riyadh. “My husband called me at 6 P.M. and told me to go home before it hits,” said Susan Abbas. “We expected the sandstorm to be the beginning of the hurricane, we waited but nothing happened.” The hoax even reached taxi and limo drivers who refused to pick up customers Tuesday evening fearing their safety. “There is a hurricane coming, I am not driving in this weather,” Abdulsalam Amber told his customers. The hurricane didn't hit the Central Region but a dust storm did. The good news is that the dust storm that has been hitting the Central Region and the Eastern Province is letting up, said Mearh. “These are normal cycles we go through on seasonal and yearly bases,” said Mearh. “But people tend to forget how hot and how dusty it gets.” According to the Presidency for Meteorology and Environment these dust storms are normal for this time of the year due to the difference in pressure and temperature. The dusty season usually takes around 40 days to conclude with the dust storm hitting then letting up every few days. “Monday was the worst day, then it let up a little on Tuesday and on Wednesday it has yet been the clearest for the past couple of days,” explained Mearh. Visibility has been down to 2 km in the Central Region and the Eastern Province. Motorists were advised to avoid the roads and people to stay indoors. However, the Central Region Civil Defense spokesman Abdullah Al-Gafari said that no such warning was issued. __
