DAMMAM — Heavy thunderstorm accompanied by rain hit the Eastern Province disturbing traffic and movement of people in the cities of Dammam, Al-Khobar, Dhahran, Qatif, Jubail and Al-Ahsa. The pressure in the Arabian Gulf has been building since the last two days. Interestingly the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) which has been seen proactive all through the past six months by issuing advisory and warnings to residents of the Kingdom through SMS messages, failed this time and there was no advisory from PME on thunderstorm or possible rain. Although the rain hit the province in the afternoon, it broke out exactly when schools in the province ended for the day and all schoolchildren were out on road ready to go home. In many parts of Dammam and Al-Khobar there were absolute chaotic scenes at the locations where many schools are situated. Honking of cars and traffic jam was a common sight. The narrow lanes of Prince Naif Street in Al-Khobar where International Pakistani School is located traffic came to a complete stand still. It was only after the arrival of Traffic personnel that traffic started easing. A similar sight was at other parts of Dammam and Dhahran. The 22-km stretch of Dammam-Khobar Highway was blocked on both the sides for nearly two hours with traffic moving at snail's pace. Control Tower at the King Fahd International Airport reported routine flight operations and no delays due to inclement weather. However, there were some minor adjustment of timings of individual airlines, which had nothing to do with the prevailing weather conditions, said an airport official. However, in some low lying area in old localities like Thuqba. Bayuoni, Mazrooiyah and Subaikha, there were reports of water logging. The Municipalities of both Dammam and Al-Khobar were vigilant and its staff was seen pumping out logged water in Rakkah area, near International Indian School. Until 4 p.m. it continued to drizzle and weather department predicted some more rain in the evening and night but clear skies tomorrow. The market did wear a deserted look with scattered buyers in the shops as people preferred to remain indoors.
