What started as a quiet Sunday across parts of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan quickly turned into a scene out of a disaster movie when a colossal dust storm rolled in—turning day into night and leaving destruction in its wake.
Residents in Al Qassim, a central province in Saudi Arabia, were caught completely off guard as a towering wall of dust engulfed the town with barely any warning.
Videos circulating online show the sky glowing a surreal orange while visibility dropped to nearly zero.
Locals Describe the Storm as “Apocalyptic”
People took to social media to share what they experienced, with many saying it felt like the lights had been turned off.
One user described how trees were knocked over like dominoes, and another said the streets remained eerily empty as people stayed locked indoors, waiting for the storm to pass.
With such sudden and dramatic conditions, it’s no surprise that the storm left behind a trail of chaos, and unfortunately, it isn’t over yet.
Widespread Red Alerts Across the Region
In response to the dangerous weather, authorities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan activated emergency protocols.
Meteorologists have issued red alerts across the region, warning of more dust storms, thunderstorms, flash floods, and hail expected through midweek.
The Saudi National Centre for Meteorology urged everyone to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay indoors—especially in open or exposed areas.
Flights Diverted and Ports Closed in Kuwait
The severe weather has already disrupted major travel and transport routes.
Two flights from Egypt to Kuwait had to be diverted to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, according to Gulf News.
In Kuwait, the Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports were temporarily shut down to protect workers and infrastructure, though they reopened on Monday.
Petra Flooded and Tourists Evacuated in Jordan
Jordan also felt the brunt of the storm, but not just from sand.
Flash floods hit Petra, the world-famous archaeological site, leading to the evacuation of over 1,700 tourists. Key landmarks like the Al Khazneh and the Monastery were cleared as water levels rose dangerously.
Tragically, a Belgian woman and her son lost their lives while exploring Wadi al-Nakhil, a popular hiking spot near Ma’an.
Two of her children survived, and rescue teams are still working to find others possibly stranded in Tafileh and Al Hasa.
Experts Warn the Weather May Get Worse
Saudi meteorologist Abdullah Al Misnad, a former professor at Qassim University, explained that these types of dust walls can reach up to 2,000 meters high and move at over 60 mph, posing serious risks for both air and land travel.
Meanwhile, Kuwait’s meteorological department says the region is in the middle of a “volatile seasonal transition,” where sudden shifts in the atmosphere can spark dramatic weather changes—like heavy dust clouds and violent thunderstorms.
What to Expect Next
The coming days are expected to bring continued storms, with strong winds, dust, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding posing threats across the Middle East.
Major cities like Riyadh and parts of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia remain under active red alerts.
Officials across the region are urging people to stay indoors, follow safety updates, and not underestimate the danger posed by these powerful storms.