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Severe flash flooding from torrential storms disrupted Riyadh and eastern Saudi Arabia from April 11 to 13, 2026, leading education authorities to close schools and shift to remote learning across multiple regions. The National Center for Meteorology recorded 65.6 mm of rain at Abhia Airport in Asir and 42.2 mm at King Khalid Reserve in Riyadh, with additional accumulations of 20.6 mm in Dammam’s Al-Qadisiyah district. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority deployed 143 ambulances and 25 rapid response teams in the capital as flood warnings extended into April 14.
The Watchers reported on April 13 that the storms brought heavy rain, hail and strong winds, flooding major roads and low-lying areas in Riyadh where standing water created significant traffic disruptions. Similar flooding affected the Al Ahsa governorate, with images showing submerged vehicles and overwhelmed roadways. Authorities activated the Madrasati remote learning platform to maintain educational continuity as conditions deteriorated.
Education departments in the Eastern Province, Asir and Al Baha suspended in-person classes, according to regional announcements compiled by Gulf News on April 12. Al Baha University, King Khalid University and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences moved affected campuses to online instruction. The measures covered thousands of students and aimed to ensure safety amid ongoing weather risks.
The National Center for Meteorology monitored the 24-hour rainfall period ending April 12 and identified Asir and Riyadh as the hardest-hit areas with a combined 107.8 mm, Saudi Gazette reported. A subsequent NCM statistical review for the first half of April placed kingdom-wide average rainfall at 20.3 mm, a 162 percent increase over the long-term mean of 7.8 mm. Such elevated precipitation highlighted the intensity of this spring weather pattern.
Saudi Red Crescent operations focused on Riyadh but stood ready to support other affected provinces, the organization stated in updates referenced by The Watchers. Emergency teams responded to incidents linked to flooded roads and reduced visibility from heavy downpours. No official casualty figures were released in connection with the April 11-13 storms.
Further thunderstorms and localized flash flooding remained possible on April 14, the National Center for Meteorology indicated, with elevated runoff risks in wadi systems even after rainfall eased. Low-lying urban corridors required continued caution from residents and drivers. The episode formed part of a broader active weather pattern across the Arabian Peninsula that month.
