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Extreme weather continues to impact Saudi Arabia. Following the recent floods in Mecca, neighboring Jeddah was also hit by floods today. This is one of the worst floods in the city in recent years. The amount of precipitation was record high. More than 80 millimeters of rain fell per square meter. Authorities have declared a red alert. The downpour caused landslides and washed away cars on the outskirts of the city. Heavy rain since Tuesday has prompted the closure of tourist attractions. But the worst effects are felt on the outskirts of the city, where downpours have overwhelmed riverbeds. Residents have been posting videos on social media showing cars floating in the water. Residents also walk through the streets in waist-deep water. The first floors and basements of buildings were flooded. Flood damage can take months to recover. Emergency services warned residents of the ongoing danger. Authorities are urging residents of the hardest-hit areas to stay home. These rains are characterized by their duration and large accumulation of precipitation. Meteorologists say the heavy rainfall was caused by a mass of moist air pushed north by a recent storm in the region. Jeddah has a population of about 5 million people. The expansion of the city has reduced the natural catchment area, causing water to spill into the streets.
