A powerful storm hit Saudi Arabia’s Makkah region, including the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest site, causing school closures and disruptions to daily life. The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning, resulting in a spectacular incident where a bolt of lightning struck the Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel.
The National Centre for Meteorology reported gale-force winds of over 80 kilometers per hour. These conditions were reminiscent of a storm in 2015, which resulted in a crane collapse at the Grand Mosque, causing numerous fatalities and injuries. Thankfully, no casualties were reported during this recent storm.
One resident shared their experience of being caught in the storm. Abu Mayyada said he lost control of his vehicle due to the lack of visibility and sought solace in listening to the Holy Quran on the radio. The storm was particularly severe in the Makkah neighborhood of Al-Kakkiyah, with 45 millimeters of rain recorded within 24 hours.
Witnesses captured footage showing pilgrims being pushed over by the strong winds outside the Grand Mosque, with crowd barriers sliding across the rain-soaked floor. The storm’s intensity left residents frightened, describing the scene as “scary” and the storm itself as the worst one in recent memory.
Although the flash flooding subsided by Wednesday morning, the Mecca regional government decided to close schools in some areas as a precautionary measure. Classes will be conducted through e-learning platforms to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The meteorology center issued a warning of further storms with rain, wind, and thunder in the Makkah region and other parts of western Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated with the latest information.