Lightning Strikes Makkah Clock Tower as Heavy Rain Floods Holy City

Due to heavy rain that hit parts of Saudi Arabia, authorities in Makkah ordered schools to remain closed on Wednesday. Videos shared on social media showed pilgrims taking refuge from a heavy thunderstorm overnight.

“Heavy rain fell on Tuesday evening, accompanied by thunderstorms, in separate parts of the neighborhoods of Makkah Al Mukarramah,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Education officials said schools would be closed on Wednesday due to the unstable weather.

• Challenging moments were experienced during the tawaf around the Kaaba
• Street and road flooding occurred

The storm and heavy rainfall that affected Mecca were captured on cameras https://t.co/kmmbVB4k3y pic.twitter.com/8oz4V8nO0b

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) August 23, 2023

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) in Saudi Arabia has predicted that moderate to heavy thunderstorms will continue to hit parts of the country, including the regions of Jazan, Asir, Al Baha, Makkah, and Madinah. These thunderstorms are expected to cause torrential rains, hail, and strong winds that could stir up dust and sand, reducing visibility.

Videos posted on social media depicted pilgrims struggling to circle the Grand Kaaba at the Grand Mosque due to powerful winds. A few individuals had to maneuver around shifting separation barriers as a result of the gusty winds.

A widely shared video showed a lightning strike on the famous clock tower that overlooks the Kaaba. The video showed the lightning hitting the top of the clock tower and lighting up the sky for a good 4 seconds.