It has stepped up preparations by issuing warnings to Saudi students and citizens likely to be affected by the hurricane, which is expected to sweep over the northeastern parts of the country.

The outer rain bands of Irene are nearing the coast of the Carolina states, the National Hurricane Center said. The governors of seven states stretching from North Carolina to Connecticut have declared states of emergency to free up resources ahead of the hurricane, which is expected to make landfall in North Carolina on Saturday.

“We have made arrangements with a group of hotels for rooms to accommodate those who are affected by the hurricane," said Saudi Cultural Attaché Mohammed Al-Issa on Thursday.

“These hotels in the areas near the hurricane path have been booked to assist Saudi students in case of an emergency.”

The Saudi Cultural Mission has also set up four phone lines that will receive students’ calls throughout the day.

Al-Issa assured families of students on scholarships in the US of the safety of their children and relatives, particularly following the earthquake that affected parts of the northeastern coast of the country recently.

The mission also asked the students to stay home and not venture out unnecessarily in the possible event of a storm.

With the hurricane likely to hit land in Ramadan, students have been told to be prepared by stocking up for their iftar (fast breaking meal). The mission also called on the students to gather as much information as possible about the hurricane. They also asked them to follow the news on TV and other media.

Arab News has also learned that a circular was sent to Saudi students in the United States warning them of the hurricane.

The circular instructed students to follow safety rules and regulations issued by the local authorities in states that are in the path of the hurricane.

The four emergency numbers provided by the mission on the Saudi Embassy's website are: (202)-746-3555, (202)-746-9777, (202)-746-2888, (202)-746-066.

However, when Arab News tried contacting the emergency numbers listed on the website at around 10 a.m. US time, there was no answer.

During the recent riots in London, the Saudi Embassy and cultural attaché in London had provided logistical and physical assistance to students. They had also called on all students on scholarships and their companions in the UK to take precautions and stay away from any places affected by the riots.