Various parts of the Kingdom, including Riyadh, Qassim, Hofuf and the Eastern Province, experienced rainfall throughout the day on Tuesday.

In view of the inclement weather forecast, all schools in the Riyadh and Qassim will remain closed on Wednesday also, according to a statement by the Education Ministry.

The central command center in Riyadh received some 129 phone calls from distressed people who were caught in the rains. Qassim was among the most affected areas due to incessant rains. Several areas were underwater and some 17 cars were submerged in flooded areas.

“Despite the closure of schools on Tuesday, the traffic congestion in Riyadh was unbelievable due to rains and numerous diversions. Sadly, reckless motorists failed to adapt to the prevailing conditions. The dark sky is still threatening of more rain in store,” Seyed Hamid Moulana, a business executive, told Arab News.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has taken all precautionary measures against the bad weather in several parts of the Kingdom, Abdul Rahman Al-Fahad, assistant manager for public relations of the airlines, said here on Tuesday. He said the team of technicians, in consultation with the airline flight team, would decide the routes of flights inside the Kingdom.

Domestic and international airports saw some 550 flights operating on Tuesday, which included 150 from Riyadh, 45 from Dammam and 15 from the airports in the north. The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) predicted torrential rains and thunderstorms accompanied by cold winds in Riyadh.

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