RIYADH: Forecasters say thunderstorms and hail are expected to hit several parts of Saudi Arabia until Saturday, prompting authorities to issue warnings advising the public to be cautious and avoid unsafe areas susceptible to flooding. The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged people not to swim in vulnerable areas and to heed official advice and instructions shared in the media and on social networking sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. The authority said moderate-to-heavy rain in some parts of Makkah region could lead to torrential storms, hail and strong descending winds, causing rising dust in Makkah, Al-Jamoum, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Al-Layth, Tarbah, Raniyah, Al-Muwayh, Zulm and Al-Kharmah. Riyadh region can expect similar conditions in several places, including Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quwaiyah, Al-Majma’ah, Thadig, Marrat, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Shaqraa and Rumah, as well as the regions of Al-Baha, Al-Qassim and the Eastern Province. Civil Defense officials said moderate rainfall and active downward winds, causing dust, are also expected in the Asir, Jazan and Hail regions. Some parts of the Makkah region, including Jeddah, Rabigh, Khulais and Al-Qunfudhah, could get light-to-moderate rain accompanied by winds that stir up dust and debris. Similar conditions are expected in some parts of Riyadh region, including the capital, Al-Muzahmiyah, Al-Hareeq, Al-Kharj, Hotat Bani Tamim, and the regions of Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders and some areas of the Eastern Province.