Watch: Ferocious storm washes away pilgrims in Mecca as UAE battles incessant rains

Extreme weather conditions in Saudi Arabia have marred sites of pilgrimage and brought everyday life to a halt, shocking visuals circulating on social media have shown. In the holy city of Mecca, visitors and pilgrims were seen being swept away as a violent storm ripped through the area.

A video uploaded on X displays people futilely running for shelter and slipping on wet surfaces. As the winds blew, they carried away objects as well as worshippers who had gathered to offer prayers at the Grand Mosque. A bright lightning strike was also captured hitting the mosque. 

"Climate change is real," wrote one user on the platform as another added, "Jeepers, incredibly strong winds in Mecca! Stay safe people." "Terrifying," said a third user. Amid the intense weather, authorities issued a red alert and warned citizens to exercise  caution, as per an advisory released by the country's National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). 

🔴 A very heavy #storm and #rain started in #Mecca.#مكه_الان #مكة_المكرمة #earthquake pic.twitter.com/SwsV4cb89N

— سحر (@BE_A_TRUE_MUSLM)

Incredible scenery of a thunder storm over Mecca . The clock tower of the Grand Mosque in Mecca 🇸🇦 discharging massive lightenings 🇸🇦💚 pic.twitter.com/oZBSWvyq5r

— عبدالعزيز المقبل (@AzizSapphire)

Extreme weather lashes the UAE 

According to Khaleej Times, incessant showers were recorded across Abu Dhabi, especially in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, and Fujairah. In Al Ain, heavy rains forced authorities to issue orange and yellow alerts. In the city of Fujairah, downpours were aggravated by hail.

Locals were seen picking up pellets of ice from the streets. Wadi Al Helo, a popular tourist spot in the city of Sharjah, also came to a standstill as water gushed down the valley. In the wake of this, officials warned residents that gathering near valleys during unsuitable weather would count as a traffic offence that comes with a Dh1,000 fine and 6 black points.