Saeed Haider

Saudi Gazette

 

DAMMAM — Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms hit the Eastern Province in the early hours of Friday, bringing the area to a halt.



The region had been experiencing inclement weather for the past three days, with moderate rain on Monday and Tuesday.



Although the weather forecasters predicted scattered clouds and passing shower in some areas, residents in the cities of Dammam, Al-Khobar, Dhahran, Qatif, Sihat, Jubail and even the border town of Khafji woke up this morning to thunderous heavy showers, which continued until noon.



There was some respite on the streets of Dammam and Al-Khobar because, despite the flooding of the low-lying areas, there was no traffic congestion.



On Friday all schools, offices and businesses were closed. However, for Muslims it was a testing day as during the prayer time most of the areas experienced heavy showers, making it almost impossible for them to leave their homes.



The control tower at King Fahd International Airport reported “absolute normalcy” in flight operations with no delays or disruption in domestic or international flights.



The weather department did not divulge recorded rainfall but told Saudi Gazette that a reported visibility of six kilometers was excellent for road and air traffic.



The local railway and bus station also reported smooth operations with “some very minor adjustments” needed to be made.



Floods struck low-lying areas in Dammam and Al-Khobar, with the worst affected being the Thuqba Industrial Area. Many parts in the old city were flooded with ankle deep water.



A similar scene was also witnessed in Rakah area, where the Dammam Municipality took immediate action and installed motors to pump out floodwater.



Forecasters predicted open skies in the daytime and scattered clouds in the night. It has been unusual November weather for residents of the Eastern Province, with high temperatures and delayed rains.