Tropical storm to hit Saudi Arabia later this week

JEDDAH, May 23 (KUNA) -- The tropical storm "Mekunu" is forecast to hit Saudi regions as of Saturday bringing with it zero visibility and torrential rain and floods, the Saudi Meteorological and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA) warned on Wednesday.
The storm, described by Oman as a tropical cyclone as of tonight, has affected this Gulf country and Yemen.
It is forecast to whip southern regions of Al-Sharqiah (Al-Kharkheer province), Nejran, border areas with neighboring Oman and Al-Rub' Al-Khali desert.
The storm is expected to whip up sand and swamp vast areas of the kingdom. (end) nh.rk