Snow and heavy rain disrupts southern region

Heavy rain in the southern part of Saudi Arabia over the past few days has caused floods and traffic disruptions, with snow in high-lying areas cutting off some villages from the main cities.
The Civil Defense is currently conducting relief operations with vehicles and helicopters to deliver necessities and medicine. At least 28 people had to be rescued because of the bad weather.
Civil Defense officials have advised residents not to use mobile phones outside when there is thunder and lightning.
There has been heavy rain in Najran, Jazan, Al-Baha and Taif with moderate rainfall in Abha and Qassim. Traffic was disrupted on the Taif highway that connects the Eastern, Central and Western provinces, affecting thousands of citizens and expatriates traveling from Dammam to Riyadh and then Makkah for Umrah on the weekend.
The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) issued a weather advisory on Friday of more cloudy weather and thunder over several parts of the Kingdom including Riyadh, Qassim, Hail and Dammam, extending up to Makkah region. There was light rain and some thunder after late afternoon prayers in Makkah yesterday.
Nizar Kumblan, a long time resident of Najran, told Arab News over the phone that heavy rain had fallen in the area over the last five days including Najran city.
There have been no reports of significant damage to businesses, but floodwaters reportedly damaged houses and cars. There have also been reports of large pools of stagnant water in some areas.
Civil Defense spokesperson Col. Ali Amir Shahrani said that 28 people had to be rescued because of the bad weather.
Mohammed Baqar Bismillah Khan, an Indian who works as a telecommunications support engineer, said that while driving from Riyadh to Jeddah, he had to stop for five hours in Taif because of the heavy rain.
There have also been reports of rock falls blocking roads in some valley areas. The authorities have been working to clear the rubble, Capt. Yahya Al-Qaitani of the Civil Defense in Jazan was quoted as saying in a local newspaper.
A meter of snow fell on Sayel Kabeer Road disrupting traffic. The Civil Defense personnel were able to remove the snow to allow vehicles to get moving again.
Heavy rain was also reported in Buraidah city yesterday. More rain is expected today.