Heavy rains accompanied with thunder and lightning lashed the capital of Riyadh causing traffic snarls on the streets from forenoon on Wednesday.
The Presidency for Meteorology and Environmental Protection (PME) announced here on Wednesday morning that rains and cloudy weather would continue till Friday.
The PME weather forecast said : “The expected weather will be thunderstorms accompanied by active winds and dust limit the horizontal visibility of areas (Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Jouf, Northern Borders and parts of the Eastern region). It is also expected to rain with Thunderstorms and active winds.”
The Civil Defense Directorate in Riyadh region has called on citizens and residents to take precautions due to weather fluctuations in the Riyadh region urging them to stay at safe and secured places.
The announcement was made following the weather forecasts received from the Presidency for Meteorology and Environmental Protection (PME) indicating that some parts of the central region are expected to be affected by rainfall accompanied by active surface winds that will raise dust until next Friday.
Official spokesman for the civil defense in the region, Major Mohammad Al-Hammadi, has called on people to abide by the safety instructions and guidelines, such as driving with extra care on slippery roads, avoiding broken power cables and staying away from flooded areas.
He affirmed that the Directorate has taken all precautionary measures to deal with any rain-related emergencies, according to changes in the weather condition.
The traffic police have deployed their patrol cars to monitor the movement of traffic during the inclement weather.
Motorists have been advised to exercise extra precaution during the period to avoid inconvenience to other road users. The Police asked motorists to exercise more caution by leaving sufficient distance between vehicles to cope with heavy shower and dusty winds.
“The rains have brought pleasant tidings for the spring,” an official from the Saudi Widlife Authority said here. Welcoming the rains, he pointed out that heavy down pour is ideal for good plant cover.
The rains, he said will make a conducive environment for wildlife and plantation.
"We could also expect a higher percentage during the next breeding season in the spring." The wetness will freshen the vegetation and grasslands in the Central province."
With the rainfall, people will see the blossoming of desert flowers and plants and green getting a new fillip due to the rains.
Following the rains, the city dwellers ,who go to the green areas in the suburbs on picnics, have been advised not to spoil the plant cover and the green grass along the water courses because these places form ideal habitats for the local and migratory birds. The rains will greatly benefit the wildlife, providing water and necessary food for its sustenance.”
“The long awaited thunder shower was welcomed by all. It was a real blessing in disguise for all who were tormented by the frequent sand/dust storms,” Seyed Wiqar, a senior staffer in a leading government hospital said.
“Following the rains, we may call it as a free car wash for all motorists,” he said, anticipating more rains to fall in Riyadh.
“The fear of the past of stagnation of rain water is no more among the motorists, thanks to the ambitious projects which are in progress to divert the collected rain/storm water. We enjoyed the rain and the children enjoyed it better,” Wiqar noted.
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