Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is embracing heavy rainfall and floods over the past 24 hours with thunderstorms affecting areas including Makkah, Yanbu and Tabuk.
The pouring of rain has affected day to day life. The situation has forced schools and college to stay closed on Tuesday in western and northern parts of the kingdom.
According to a spokesperson for the Mecca education district, the decision was taken due to the unsettled weather and for the safety of the students, teachers and the administrative staff.
Three universities have confirmed on suspending courses in view of student’s safety.
Video footage of the vehicles submerged under water and vehicles carried away by the floods have been posted on the social media and news sites.
In Yanbu, 300 kilometres north of Jeddah, all school would remain closed today. Authorities have urged drivers to not drive unless it's necessary.
Fallen billboard on Madinah Rd. due to heavy rains has been removed by #Jeddah Traffic Police. #JeddahRain #Saudi pic.twitter.com/QvdtQjMWpW
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) November 17, 2015
Schools were also forced to close down in #Makkah and #Jeddah because of heavy rain: https://t.co/rrK1AHcCwe pic.twitter.com/p9iHbck5Vc
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) November 17, 2015
Unusually heavy rain spreading over Iraq & Saudi Arabia today, this will head into W Iran by Wednesday. Alex D pic.twitter.com/NCbyN1HuqP
— BBC Weather (@bbcweather) November 17, 2015
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