Heavy rain and flooding hit Saudi Arabia

Cars swept away in Medina amid torrential downpours

Rain on a road in the Umluj region of Saudi Arabia earlier this year. Photo: SPA

Saudi Arabia has been hit by heavy rain and flash flooding along much of its Red Sea coast.

Images on social media showed cars stranded in floodwaters and others swept away by the torrential rains in Madinah.

Two bodies were recovered from a wadi in Dhahab in Al Lith on the Red Sea coast following the extreme weather, according to local news site Okaz, which quoted the country's civil defence.

Saudi Arabia's National Centre of Meteorology on Friday issued a red alert for rainfall in several regions in the west and south-west of country, lasting until 11pm local time.

Earlier in the day, meteorologists warned that areas could be hit by strong winds, lack of visibility, hail and thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, the Riyadh region is expected to receive only light to moderate rain.

The thunderstorms are expected to last from Friday until Thursday, according to the country's civil defence authority.

It urged citizens to avoid areas prone to flooding, and follow official safety guidelines and instructions.

Earlier in the day, Saudi authorities said they had mobilised thousands of workers and staff to help manage rainfall at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in Makkah.

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Prophet's Mosque said it has completed measures to "allow worshippers to perform their religious duties in comfort and peace" at the mosque, Saudi Press Agency reported.

As part of these measures, the presidency has removed carpets from exposed areas and dried rainwater using machinery and manual labor. Pathways in the courtyards have been organized, and umbrellas have been distributed to worshippers and visitors to ensure their safety.