On Wednesday, intense storms led to schools closing in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia, a location revered in Islam and home to the Grand Mosque. This significant site experienced heavy rain and winds during the night, as described by witnesses.
Late Tuesday, as pilgrims made their rounds around the Holy Kaaba, a spectacular lightning bolt illuminated the night when it struck the renowned Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel.
According to Hussein al-Qahtani, the National Centre for Meteorology spokesperson, the storm carried gale-force winds that surpassed 80 kilometres (50 miles) per hour. Qahtani drew a parallel to a 2015 storm, during which a crane collapse at the Grand Mosque resulted in over 100 fatalities and numerous injuries. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported from Tuesday’s weather event.
A local of Makkah, Abu Mayyada, recounted his experience during the storm’s peak. He described a sudden blackout and loss of control over his vehicle. Confused and anxious, he turned to the Holy Quran on the radio to find solace.
In a post on X (previously known as Twitter), the meteorology centre revealed that the Makkah district of Al-Kakkiyah recorded 45 millimetres (1.8 inches) of rainfall in just 24 hours. Video clips shared by Makkah residents showcased the powerful winds that knocked over pilgrims near the Grand Mosque and moved barriers across the wet floor.
Resident Mohammed expressed the situation’s intensity, recalling the terrifying moments during the storm. Another resident, Yusuf, noted that while August usually sees strong winds in Makkah, this storm was unprecedented in its ferocity. As a safety precaution, the Makkah regional government announced via X that certain areas would transition to e-learning for school sessions.
