What it’s like when snow falls in Saudi Arabia

Residents of this northwestern region went picnicking yesterday in scenic mountains and other spots that were covered in a sheet of white as Tabuk received its annual snowfall since Tuesday.

Visitors from outside the region as well as locals were enjoying the rare snowfall. Roads, especially those leading to Mount Allouz, were thronged with cars.

While security, traffic and health authorities were present in different locations to organize traffic and provide necessary services, Tabuk’s traffic director, Brig. Muhammad bin Ali Al-Najjar, cautioned picnikers against driving up the steep, slippery mountain roads. He also called on drivers to abide by speed limits and communicate with the authorities for assistance or information.

Traffic patrols are present on these roads to organize traffic and provide assistance to those who need it, he said.

The Civil Defense spokesman in Tabuk, Brig. Mamdouh Al-Enizi, advised residents to avoid valleys and stay away from flood courses, and not to climb high, snow-covered places.

The Health Affairs Department in Tabuk has deployed fully equipped ambulance teams in these areas.

Roads leading to the desert and mountainous areas in Tabuk were congested with cars coming from the city and the towns of Haql and Bada. Rain fell in several of the region’s towns yesterday.

(c)2013 the Arab News (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). Distributed by MCT Information Services.