The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) expects more rain and sandstorms to hit Hail lasting until the early hours of Thursday morning.

There would be an increase in surface winds, which would stir up sand and dust, leading to visibility of under 2 km, and thunder and rain from low-lying clouds, the PME forecast.

Meanwhile, the Civil Defense has denied reports that flooding in Hail has claimed the lives of 11 people.

"The rain in Hail caused the death of three brothers between the ages of 9 and 12. They drowned in a pool of water near their house in Al-Baidah village. The Civil Defense has removed their bodies," the department said.

Maj. Nafi Al-Harbi, spokesman for the region's Civil Defense, said the Hail area received medium rainfall. He said the organization received 984 calls from people whose houses were flooded and vehicles stranded.

"We removed 18 stranded vehicles, and had to evacuate three flooded houses. The residents of these houses were given shelter in furnished apartments provided by the Ministry of Finance," he said.

He warned people that there might be flooding near the village of Nilaat. He said residents must not go near low-lying valleys, or try to cross areas with running water.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Abu Zaid, spokesman for the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO), said there would be no change or delays in departure times for trains because of the current weather conditions.

"Even though there is sand and dust in the Eastern and Central Provinces, the train is still the best method of transportation, due to the high safety standards and ability of trains to handle these conditions," he said.

However, the SRO was taking measures to ensure that the trains operate safely. It would stop running its trains if there was a threat to employees and passengers from poor visibility or other conditions, he said.

"We have adopted international safety and operational standards. If we see a need to introduce safety measures, we will do so promptly. We are in contact with the train teams and ready for any contingency," he said.