Torrential Rain and Strong Winds Hit Saudi Arabia, A Clear Warning for the Future

Saudi Arabia experienced an unexpected and intense storm on the night of October 28-29, 2025. In just a few hours, more than 250 mm of rain fell across several regions. Winds reached 85 km/h along the coast. Streets in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province were flooded with water so quickly that many people had little time to react. Cars floated, power lines fell, and whole neighborhoods lost electricity.

By the next afternoon, officials confirmed 14 deaths and more than 300 injuries. Over 27,000 people stayed in temporary shelters. Around 420 km of major roads were flooded. Twelve bridges were damaged. Power outages hit nearly 2 million homes. Businesses also suffered heavy losses, with early estimates reaching 3.5 billion SAR.

The weather setup behind this storm was rare. A deep low-pressure system moved from the Mediterranean and pulled warm, moist air from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman. When this air met the hot surface over the Kingdom, the clouds built up quickly and released intense rainfall. Scientists note a rise in such events. Warmer sea temperatures and shifting weather patterns are making extreme rain more likely in the region.

Emergency teams acted fast. The National Emergency Authority activated its flood response protocol within minutes. More than 4,000 responders spread out across the affected areas. Shelters opened in dozens of locations. Drone teams checked water levels and helped guide rescue operations. Volunteers also played a big part by sharing real-time updates, helping stranded families, and donating supplies.

The storm exposed weak points in drainage systems, road design, and urban growth. Many newer suburbs do not have enough green areas or permeable surfaces to absorb sudden rain. Experts say future planning must include better drainage, smarter building rules, and more public education on how to stay safe during floods.

Climate change is turning rare weather events into more frequent risks. Saudi Arabia now has a chance to strengthen its cities, improve early warning tools, and invest in safer infrastructure. With the right steps, severe storms in the future can be handled with less loss and disruption.