Heavy rains bring joy and danger

Heavy rains hit Riyadh and other parts of the Kingdom on Sunday coinciding with the Eid Al-Adha holidays.
The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) reported heavy thunderstorms are expected in southern parts of the east and central regions of the Kingdom, while the west will experience poor visibility due to dust, particularly in Sharurah.
Rains bring relief from the heat to citizens and expats and many can be seen outside enjoying the cool moist atmosphere.
For traffic officials however, the rainy season presents a threat to traffic safety.
Traffic issues and accidents are more frequent during this season as drivers re-familiarize themselves with driving in rainy conditions – conditions that occur usually only one month of the year.
Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz Abu Haimid, manager of the Riyadh Traffic Department, said in the first three hours of the rains on Sunday, his office received reports of 450 accidents. At the Takhasusi-Khurais interaction in Riyadh, three people died and 19 were wounded when two cars collided and burst into flames.
Haimid said motorists should slow down during the rainy season and be aware of the danger of driving on slippery roads.
He said traffic personnel and security forces are stationed at all major intersections and high-traffic roadways to facilitate the flow of traffic and respond to traffic-related incidents.
Weather experts warn many parts of the Kingdom are to expect heavy rains in the first ten days of November.