Watch: Severe sandstorms hit Saudi Arabia, knock down street lights, electricity poles

Saudi Arabian authorities have issued warnings against severe sandstorms that have enveloped several parts of the country on Saturday.

Also read:

UAE weather alert: Beware of rough seas, blowing dust

Dust storms have swept through the northern region of the country, including Al Jawf, the capital Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, as well as eastern parts of Makkah and Madinah.

# # .

:
pic.twitter.com/FxShVuQpmk

— (@AlArabiya_Taqs) March 12, 2021

One video shared on social media shows the intense storms knocking down street lights and electricity poles.

# #_ pic.twitter.com/u4YkeMF7IR

— (@AlArabiya_Taqs) March 12, 2021

Another video features dashboard footage of a bright red difficult to see through the cloud of dust enveloping Arar in the Northern Borders Province.

#_
pic.twitter.com/M1jEgXvKUo

— (@Storm_centre) March 12, 2021

The Saudi Civil Defence urged the public to take precautions, urging people, especially those with respiratory illnesses, to stay at home.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@sharjahnews)

It also warned drivers to be cautious when driving near lamp posts, electricity poles, and billboards on the street.

pic.twitter.com/nomJQ94mjL

— (@aburaid11) March 12, 2021

Officials in Oman also issued alerts regarding the activity of southern winds and warned of the possibility of dust storms in the Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates during Saturday evening.