Severe storms hit Saudi Arabia again less than a week after hailstorm killed hundreds of animals

Less than a week after a powerful hailstorm killed hundreds of sheep and lambs in the middle of the Saudi Arabian desert, severe storms are again affecting the country.

The city of Mecca and neighboring regions were hit hard by torrential rain today. Rainwater quickly flooded roads, cars and shops, closed schools and brought life to a standstill, local media report.

Authorities said heavy rains also affected other parts of Saudi Arabia today, including Asir, Shaqra'a and Al-Taif.

Schools will remain closed in Mecca, Shaqra'a, Al-Mujamaa and other parts due to turbulent weather conditions and sandstorms, they said.

The storm comes less than a week after a rare, golf ball-sized hail left hundreds of sheep and lambs in the middle of the desert dead.

Featured image credit: Hamada Saad