and Adnan Shabrawi Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Medium to heavy rains are expected in Jeddah and other areas of the region from Monday evening to Wednesday, the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) has announced. Sami Al-Wafi, climatology expert at the presidency, however ruled out a repetition of the flood disasters of November 2009 and January 2011 because the rains would not be too heavy to cause floods. "The downpour will reach its climax on Tuesday when the temperature will start to cool down," he said. Meanwhile, the Civil Defense in Makkah warned of the likelihood of heavy rains in the city starting Sunday evening. Wafi said Jeddah usually gets rainfall between November and April but the rains depend on many climatic factors. Director of traffic in Jeddah Maj. Gen. Wasl Allah Al-Harbe said an emergency plan is ready to deal with any consequences due to the rains. "We will deploy 295 traffic patrols on all major roads, crossings and the low-lying areas where rainwater is likely to collect," he said. The director said more than 300 traffic policemen and 35 officers will execute the plan aimed at protecting the citizens and expatriates. He said the patrols will be supplied with necessary equipment and vehicles to tow away any car that may get tangled in the floodwater. "We will also redirect traffic from streets soaked with water to safer routes," he added. Al-Harbe assured that the rains would not deter his teams from carrying out field work, saying traffic police would be stationed on all major roads and crossings to deal with traffic jams, redirect traffic and help drivers who may get stuck in the water. He said the department is coordinating very closely with the PME, the Civil Defense and other concerned authorities to execute their emergency plans. "We will supply the traffic signals with electricity from generators in case of a power outage," he added.
