The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Los Angeles issued an important warning to Saudi citizens residing in and visiting California, urging them to exercise extreme caution. This warning comes in response to alerts issued by local authorities regarding expected heavy rainfall in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, which is forecast to continue over the coming days.
California's climate context
These warnings come in the context of a weather phenomenon known as atmospheric rivers, narrow channels of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that transport vast quantities of water vapor from the tropics to the western coasts of the United States. When these atmospheric rivers reach land and collide with California's mountainous terrain, they unleash their load in the form of torrential rain or heavy snow, often resulting in floods and mudslides. Historically, the state has experienced extreme weather cycles, oscillating between prolonged droughts and periods of extremely heavy rainfall, leaving infrastructure and residential areas vulnerable to natural hazards.
Importance and expected effects
The importance of this warning lies in the serious risks these storms pose. Locally, heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding in Los Angeles streets, paralyzing traffic and endangering drivers. The risk of mudslides is also increased in hilly areas and regions recently affected by wildfires, where the soil is less able to absorb water effectively. These weather conditions are expected to disrupt public services, with the potential for power outages and flight delays at major regional airports.
Safety guidelines and the role of the consulate
In its statement, the consulate urged all citizens to fully comply with safety instructions issued by local authorities and to regularly monitor weather forecasts. It stressed the importance of avoiding going out except when absolutely necessary and staying away from low-lying areas and floodplains. The consulate confirmed that in case of emergency, citizens can contact the dedicated emergency hotline for Saudi nationals at 310-895-6642 . This action reflects the vital role played by diplomatic missions in caring for their citizens abroad and ensuring their safety during natural disasters.
