The worst rain,wind and hail storm to hit Saudi Arabia's capital city since 1996 struck about 2:30 local time on Monday afternoon, May 3. The day dawned bright and sunny and blue skies were still around in the early afternoon. But the clouds began to gather quickly about 1 p.m. and by 2:30 an eerie orange sky warned that a storm was coming.
And when it came, it brought wind gusts over 60 mph, driving rain and hail. At the American International School of Riyadh, large vinyl sun screens and the steel arms that anchored them were ripped down. Tree branches were snapped off and debris skimmed through the air.
Riyadh roadways were quickly inundated, turning the highways into raging rivers. Many intersections were flooded with from three to almost seven feet of water. Thousands of people were stranded in stalled vehicles and incredible gridlock. Some people reported that their usual 45-minute commute turned into harrowing 7 and 8-hour oddysies. Two people were reported to have died and hundreds of others were reported injured in the chaos.
With debris waiting to be cleaned up and the roadways still under water in many areas, the American International School in Riyadh called off classes on Tuesday, May 4, for one of the rare times in its 60-year history.
By Wednesday, May 5, most roads were passable, the debris was being cleared and schools and businesses reopened. But those of us who saw it won't soon forget May 3, the day the rain ravaged Riyadh.
(Photos courtesy Alriyadh Daily Paper: http://www.alriyadh.com/2010/05/03/article522524.html)
Astonishing pictures. In one of those idle moments I googled your name and this blog popped up. You taught me - and several dozen other ungrateful boys - at King Edward VII School, Johannesburg, and you were the first form tutor of my High School career. And undoubtedly the best dressed. I remember those days very fondly.
Posted by: Derek Baldwin | February 07, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Hey Derek, As you noticed, I don't update this often, so I just now read your comment. I really appreciate it. I remember KES and you guys like it was yesterday. It was an amazing year. I have a young man from Jo'burg in my class here in Riyadh now. I told him I used to teach at King Edward, and he said, "You men KES? It's a great school." And a small world... :) So where are you and what are you up to these days?
Posted by: mike kielkopf | February 24, 2011 at 09:05 AM