Thunderstorms and rare torrential rain caused flooding across the Persian Gulf State of Qatar on Saturday 20 October, 2018.
The desert state received a year’s worth of rainfall in one day. Qatar’s Meteorology Department (Civil Aviation Authority) figures showed that Abu Hamor in the capital Doha recorded 84mm of rain in less than 6 hours on 20 October.
According to World Meteorological Organization figures (WMO) the October average rainfall for Doha is 1.1mm and the annual average is 75.2 mm.
The rain caused roads to flood, resulting in severe traffic disruption. Social media images showed cars almost completely submerged. Buildings were damaged, schools closed and some flights had to be diverted.
Further rain is likely as thunderstorms remain in pats of the northern Arabian Gulf. On 22 October, Qatar Meteorology Department said that marine warnings are still in effect due to unsettled weather conditions.
Although rare, this level of rainfall in Qatar is not unprecedented. Parts of the country saw heavy rainfall and floods in late November, 2015. Qatar Meteorology Department said 80.8 mm of rain fell at Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Social Media
Latest satellite image shows thunderstorms in northern Arabian Gulf. We'd like to remind you that marine warnings are still in effect due to unsettled weather conditions. #Qatar pic.twitter.com/bwIokhvxH4
— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) October 22, 2018
أعلى كمية سجلت منذ صباح اليوم في #بوهامور ( ٨٤ ملم) ، مطرنا بفضل الله ورحمته #الوسمي #قطر pic.twitter.com/TFJY5G42D0
— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) October 20, 2018
Flood in Qatar today. pic.twitter.com/B2okQoQ4a8
— L'Eco du Golfe (@ecodugolfe) October 20, 2018
Look at the sections of Qatar today and they sink in water and flood#الدوحة_تغرق pic.twitter.com/8xU1toWdvu
— seeeet (@23_____Fa) October 20, 2018
Rainfall in Qatar. Incredible flood. #QatarFloods pic.twitter.com/rbkPBfM0z6
— Patrick Edem Agama (@peagama) October 20, 2018
Floods in #Qatar as almost a year’s rain falls in one dayhttps://t.co/uNnyK4vBFl pic.twitter.com/t5ItNHUBuv
— Qatar Tribune (@Qatar_Tribune) October 20, 2018
Flood Summary
Locations
B - Doha (Qatar)
C - Zarqa Ma'in, Jordan (Jordan)
D - Amman (Jordan)
E - Hassakeh (Syria)
F - Ilam (Iran)
G - Mazandaran (Iran)
H - Lorestan (Iran)
I - Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
J - Makkah (Saudi Arabia)
K - Eastern Province (Saudi Arabia)
L - Asir (Saudi Arabia)
M - Tabuk (Saudi Arabia)
N - Al-Baha (Saudi Arabia)
O - Jazan (Saudi Arabia)
P - Hail (Saudi Arabia)
Magnitude
Abu Hamor, Doha, Qatar - October 20 to October 20, 2018
Qatar Meteorology Department figures
Salahaddin, Iraq - October 24 to October 25, 2018
WMO figures
Irbid, Jordan - October 25 to October 26, 2018
Figures for Jordan via Ogimet
Amman Airport, Jordan - October 25 to October 26, 2018
Mean Total Rainfall for October in Amman is 6.6 mm
Ma'An, Jordan - October 25 to October 26, 2018
Kamishli, Syria - October 25 to October 26, 2018
Figures for Syria via Ogimet. Mean Total October Rainfall for Kamishli / Qamishli is 18mm
Safita, Syria - October 25 to October 26, 2018
Omidieh, Iran - October 26 to October 27, 2018
Figures for Iran via Ogimet.
Gach Saran Du Gunbadan, Iran - October 26 to October 27, 2018
Kharg, Iran - October 26 to October 27, 2018
Babulsar, Iran - October 27 to October 28, 2018
Anzali, Iran - November 1 to November 2, 2018
WMO figures
Damages
Qatar - October 20 to October 20, 2018
Estimated figure. Media reports said that roads and buildings were damaged, schools closed and some flights had to be diverted.
Jordan - October 25 to October 26, 2018
Saudi Arabia - October 20 to October 31, 2018
Civil Defense said one of the deaths occurred in Riyadh, four cases were recorded in Makkah, two in the Eastern Province, one in Asir, one in Tabuk, three in Al-Baha, one in Jazan and one in Hail.
Saudi Arabia - October 20 to October 31, 2018
Civil Defense forces rescued 299 stranded people, including 115 in Makkah.
Hassakeh, Syria - October 26 to October 31, 2018
Estimated figure
Iran - October 26 to October 31, 2018
Iran - October 26 to October 31, 2018
Iran Red Crescent said that at least 68 homes were damaged and 177 people displaced.
