Saudi Arabia is no stranger to extreme weather events, with its harsh desert climate often giving rise to intense storms.
Over the years, the country has experienced a range of powerful cyclones, floods, and rare weather phenomena that have left significant impacts on its landscape and communities.
Understanding the biggest storms to ever hit Saudi Arabia provides valuable insights into the country’s meteorological history and preparedness for future events.
From powerful tropical cyclones that battered the coasts to unexpected deluges that transformed desert regions, these weather events highlight the unique challenges faced by the nation.
This article explores ten of the most significant storms to ever impact Saudi Arabia.
1. Cyclone Mekunu (2018)
Cyclone Mekunu struck the Arabian Peninsula in May 2018. It was one of the most powerful storms to hit the region.
The cyclone especially impacted Oman’s Dhofar Governorate and the Yemeni island of Socotra.
Mekunu reached its peak with sustained winds of 170-180 kilometers per hour. The storm caused significant damage and flooding.
In Oman alone, the cyclone resulted in 31 fatalities and extensive property damage.
During the cyclone, Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter, known for its dry conditions, experienced unexpected rainfall. This led to the formation of temporary lakes in the desert area.
The storm also prompted relief efforts from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Cyclone Mekunu is remembered for its strength and the challenges it posed to the affected regions. It remains a significant event in the history of Arabian Peninsula tropical cyclones.
2. Cyclone Chapala (2015)
Cyclone Chapala was one of the strongest storms to ever hit the Arabian Sea. It formed on October 28, 2015, off the coast of western India.
The storm quickly intensified and reached peak winds of 155 mph on October 30.
Chapala made landfall in Yemen, causing significant damage. It impacted the Yemeni island of Socotra first, followed by the mainland. The storm was notable for its rare trajectory and high intensity.
Cyclone Chapala is recorded as the second-strongest cyclone in the Arabian Sea, only surpassed by Super Cyclone Gonu in 2007.
It brought heavy rainfall and winds, leading to flooding and destruction in the affected areas. For more details, see Cyclone Chapala.
3. Cyclone Phet (2010)
Cyclone Phet was one of the most powerful storms to hit the Arabian Peninsula in 2010. It made landfall on Oman, Western India, and Pakistan, causing significant damage.
Phet formed on May 31 in the Arabian Sea, west of India. Conducive environmental conditions allowed it to strengthen rapidly.
By June 2, Phet reached peak winds of 155 km/h (95 mph). It brought heavy rains and strong winds, affecting coastal areas. This cyclone was especially notable for the severe weather it brought to the region.
For more detailed information on Cyclone Phet, visit the Cyclone Phet – Wikipedia.
4. Cyclone Gonu (2007)
Cyclone Gonu was an extremely powerful storm that hit in June 2007. It became the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Arabian Sea.
With sustained winds reaching up to 160 mph, Cyclone Gonu reached Category 5 status.
The storm caused significant damage in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. In Fujairah, Gonu’s waves damaged the port facilities.
Cyclone Gonu brought heavy rainfall, leading to massive floods and infrastructure damage. Streets were washed away, and buildings were severely affected, causing hardships for many residents.
5. Cyclone Nilofar (2014)
Cyclone Nilofar was an extremely severe cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea. It formed in late October 2014 and became the third-strongest cyclone in the region at the time.
Nilofar reached peak sustained winds estimated between 125 mph and 130 mph.
The cyclone generated vast quantities of rain, causing significant weather disturbances. Four people died from its outer rainbands. Despite its intensity, Nilofar weakened before making landfall, reducing the impact on populated areas.
The India Meteorological Department named the cyclone Nilofar, a name suggested by Pakistan. The name refers to the water lily.
Local authorities in the Indian state of Gujarat took precautionary measures in anticipation of the storm. The winds had dropped significantly by the time it approached land.
6. Cyclone Keila (2011)
Cyclone Keila was the first named storm of the 2011 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It developed in the western Arabian Sea in late October 2011.
The storm formed amidst marginally favorable conditions and reached its peak strength on November 2.
Keila brought strong winds and heavy rains to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly affecting the coastlines.
The cyclone caused significant flooding and disrupted transportation, with roads flooded and vehicles swept away. Hospitals faced emergency evacuations due to rising water levels.
The storm resulted in 14 deaths and at least 200 injuries. Many areas experienced severe infrastructure damage.
Cyclone Keila demonstrates the potential impact of tropical cyclones on the Arabian Peninsula, highlighting the need for preparedness in vulnerable regions. For more information, visit Cyclone Keila on Wikipedia.
7. Cyclone Murjan (2012)
Cyclone Murjan formed over the south Arabian Sea in October 2012. It moved west-southwest and crossed the coast of Somalia on October 25.
Although it did not have the distinct eye and spiral shape of stronger storms, its impact was still significant.
Murjan’s maximum wind speed reached 65 km/h. The storm was associated with an active intertropical convergence zone, marking it as the first cyclone in the north Indian Ocean that year.
Despite its moderate strength, it was notable for its unusual path towards the Horn of Africa.
For more details, you can visit the NASA Earth Observatory.
8. Cyclone Tej (year not specified)
Cyclone Tej was a powerful storm that formed over the central-south Arabian Sea. It made landfall on Yemen, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.
This storm stood out as the first cyclone to hit Yemen since Cyclone Luban in 2018.
Cyclone Tej coexisted with another storm, Cyclone Hamoon, in the Bay of Bengal. This simultaneous presence of two cyclones was a rare phenomenon.
The cyclone brought significant rainfall to desert regions of eastern Yemen and western Oman. Saudi Arabia was not affected due to geographical factors and the specific conditions required for tropical cyclones to form and sustain.
Learn more about Cyclone Tej’s impact on Yemen and Oman here.
9. Cyclone Kyarr (2019)
Cyclone Kyarr in 2019 was an extremely powerful storm in the Arabian Sea. It was the strongest tropical cyclone in the region since Cyclone Gonu in 2007.
Kyarr’s peak winds reached 250 km/h, making it a super cyclonic storm.
The cyclone moved across the Arabian Sea, significantly affecting the weather in the surrounding areas. It caused heavy rains and strong winds, particularly impacting the coastal regions.
It remains notable for its intensity and the damage it caused during its lifespan. For more information, you can read about Kyarr on Wikipedia.
10. Cyclone Hikka (2019)
Cyclone Hikka struck eastern Oman in September 2019, impacting the nearby region as well. It formed on September 22 in the Arabian Sea before moving towards Oman.
Upon landfall, Hikka brought strong winds and heavy rain. Maximum sustained wind speeds were around 80 mph.
While mainly affecting Oman, the storm’s remnants had noticeable weather effects on Saudi Arabia.
Cyclones like Hikka are relatively rare in this area. Most cyclones in this region occur during spring and autumn.
Historical Context of Storms in Saudi Arabia
Storms have impacted Saudi Arabia for centuries, with early records and descriptions providing glimpses into their effects.
Advances in meteorology have improved data collection, helping to understand storm patterns and trends better.
Early Records and Descriptions
Early accounts of storms in Saudi Arabia come from historical texts and oral traditions. These records often describe the devastating effects of heavy rains and strong winds on towns and agriculture.
For instance, ancient manuscripts detail significant storms that disrupted trade routes and caused widespread flooding in cities like Jeddah.
The historic accounts also highlight the resilience of the people, who adapted to these recurring natural events.
Such descriptions help piece together a picture of how frequent and severe storms were before modern meteorology.
Meteorological Advances and Data Collection
The advent of modern meteorology has greatly enhanced the ability to monitor and analyze storm activity in Saudi Arabia.
The establishment of weather stations and satellite technology has allowed for precise tracking of storm formations, intensities, and paths.
These meteorological advances have provided valuable data, revealing trends such as increasing rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events.
For example, detailed analysis over the past few decades shows a rise in flash floods, particularly in urban areas.
The improvement in data collection methods has also enabled better disaster preparedness and response strategies, potentially reducing the economic and social impacts of severe storms.
Geographical Impact and Patterns
Saudi Arabia experiences significant geographical impacts from its storms. The regions most affected are those with the highest population density and economic activity, particularly in the west, where the topography influences weather patterns.
Regions Most Affected
In Saudi Arabia, the western region, including Mecca and Jeddah, is frequently hit by storms.
Mecca, a significant city for Islamic pilgrims, has endured extreme storms that disrupted activities and caused damage.
For instance, extreme weather caused chaos, leading to school closures and impacting pilgrims.
Jeddah also faces severe flooding due to its coastal location and urban infrastructure.
Flash floods are common, with rainfall trends showing increased economic damage over recent decades. The coastal and urban characteristics make these cities particularly vulnerable to intense weather events.
Comparative Analysis with Neighboring Countries
When compared to neighboring countries, Saudi Arabia’s storm patterns show some unique traits.
In the Gulf region, temperatures and storm intensities have risen, as indicated by extreme heat events like 55°C in Saudi Arabia.
United Arab Emirates and Oman also face intense storms, but the geographical impacts differ due to their unique topographies.
While Oman experiences cyclonic events, Saudi Arabia’s storms are often characterized by flash floods in urban centers. Iran has recorded significant temperatures, but the flooding impact in Saudi cities like Jeddah is more economically detrimental.
Preparation and Mitigation Efforts
Saudi Arabia has put several plans in place to address the challenges posed by severe storms.
These efforts come from both government initiatives and community-based strategies aimed at minimizing damage and enhancing preparedness.
Government Initiatives
The Saudi government has undertaken numerous initiatives to tackle the adverse effects of storms.
They have invested heavily in infrastructure to improve drainage systems in flood-prone areas. This includes constructing large underground reservoirs to capture excess rainwater.
Another significant effort is the establishment of advanced weather monitoring and early-warning systems.
These systems provide timely alerts to residents, allowing them to evacuate or take necessary precautions. Emergency response teams are also trained and equipped to handle disaster situations effectively.
To ensure proper coordination, the government collaborates with international experts and organizations.
They also conduct regular disaster preparedness drills involving various emergency response units. These drills help identify areas for improvement and ensure that all agencies are prepared to act swiftly during actual emergencies.
Community-Based Strategies
Local communities play a critical role in mitigating storm impacts.
Community-based strategies focus on educating residents about the risks associated with storms and the best practices for staying safe.
This includes organizing workshops and distributing educational materials that explain how to prepare emergency kits and outline evacuation routes.
Community leaders often serve as liaisons between residents and emergency services, helping ensure that information and resources reach everyone.
Social media platforms and local news outlets are also used to disseminate vital information quickly.
Volunteer groups are another key aspect of community-based strategies.
These groups often assist in evacuation efforts, provide first aid, and support recovery initiatives post-storm.
In some regions, community members participate in monitoring local weather conditions and report any abnormalities to authorities, aiding early detection and response efforts.