Schools in Saudi Arabia closed due to severe weather conditions

Schools across Saudi Arabia have been closed due to severe weather conditions.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported schools in the capital, Riyadh, the city of Medina and in the provinces of Ramah, Thadiq, Muzahmia, Hremala, Diraya and Durma were closed on Sunday.

The decision to close the schools due to heavy rain and strong winds was announced late Saturday "to ensure the safety of the students", said the report.

On Sunday, videos of hail storms, floods and heavy rain made the rounds on social media.

One video showed hail the size of tennis balls falling on a car and breaking both windshields and the headlights. The man in the video is heard saying: "May God make it up to us with blessings."

Another video purportedly shot in the city of Medina shows heavy congestion and people standing outside their vehicles inspecting their damaged cars. The roads can be seen covered in snow, while some try to navigate their cars away from traffic.