Flood warning as cyclone nears Saudi Arabia

Torrential rain could cause flash flooding in parts of Saudi Arabia as tropical cyclone Mekunu makes landfall over neighboring Oman early on Saturday.

The General Authority of Meteorology and Environment Protection said the cyclone in the Arabian Sea was moving north to northwest with wind speeds of up to 160 kilometers an hour at its center.

Forecasters said the cyclone would turn into a tropical storm, with heavy rain predicted for parts of the Kingdom from Saturday until next Tuesday.

The authority will issue daily weather reports and alerts via the early warning system on its website and social media outlets.