Vehicular traffic has been suspended at the underpass on King Abdullah Road, as the levels of rainwater rose to dangerous levels. Authorities have issued a warning and are diverting traffic from the underpass.
The morning turned to night as dark clouds enveloped the city for most of the morning.
Motorists who had braved the elements on this weekend morning had to negotiate fierce winds, rain-soaked roads and waterlogged areas while driving bumper to bumper. In the main roads the head-lamped traffic looked like a slow convoy, with drivers being extra cautious.
The sun peeped out only around noontime in the northern part of Jeddah with the downpour continuing in various parts of the city.
Heavy rains too lashed Yanbu affecting traffic as various parts of the city had become sodden. Al-Jouf too witnessed heavy rains with Sakkaka, Daumat Al-Jandal and Sowair bearing the brunt.
The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) said the chance of precipitation would continue through Friday in the Western region.
The forecast for Thursday was thunderclouds would be hovering in the west and northwest, particularly between Makah, Madinah, Jeddah, Yanbu and Wijh with intermittent rains.
In Tabuk, Hail, Qassim and the Northern Border Province heavy rains are expected with a wind force of more than 55 mph, triggering dust storms too, and waves reaching heights of between two and two and a half meters in the coastal areas.
The PME also predicted fog in the Eastern Province and advised people to limit their driving. In the Red Sea the winds will be between 18-55 mph.
