{
  "id": 13449128,
  "title": "Civil Defense urges caution amid forecast of continued thunderstorms through Wednesday",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/civil-defense-urges-caution-amid-forecast-of-continued-thunderstorms",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T14:58:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665285/saudi-arabia/civil-defense-urges-caution-amid-forecast-of-continued-thunderstorms-through-wednesday"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The General Directorate of Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia is advising residents to exercise caution and stay indoors as severe thunderstorms are expected to persist across most of the country until Wednesday. The agency is urging people to stay clear of low-lying areas and to avoid swimming in floodwaters. Civil Defense officials have stressed the importance of adhering to their guidance and using various media and social media for updates during this period of weather uncertainty.\n\nThe National Center for Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings, predicting heavy rainfall and potential flash floods, hail, and strong winds in several regions. Makkah region residents should brace for downpours that could lead to hazardous conditions, while other areas like Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders will also experience significant rainfall. Light to moderate rain is forecasted for Madinah, Hail, and Najran regions.\n\nA red alert has been issued for Rahat and Mudrikah in Makkah, indicating the potential for intense rain, strong gusts, near-zero visibility, and dangerous hail. Meteorologists predict the severe weather will continue until 9:00 p.m. in the coming days. Madinah officials anticipate light to moderate rainfall in specific governorates from Sunday through Tuesday, with similar conditions expected in the coming days.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to exercise caution and remain in safe places amid forecasts of thunderstorms continuing hitting most regions of Saudi Arabia through Wednesday. The directorate called on people to avoid flood-prone areas and valleys, refrain from swimming in floodwaters, and follow instructions issued through various media outlets and social…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}