Surprise thunderstorm, rains leave Qatar drenched

A surprise thunderstorm struck Qatar on Saturday, causing widespread flash floods due to torrential rains, bringing parts of the tiny Gulf nation to a standstill.

In Abu Hamor suburb of capital Doha, 84 mm of rainfall was recorded in less than six hours, easily surpassing the country's average annual rainfall of 77 mm. With this, the desert country received almost a year's downpour in just a single day, Al Jazeera reported.

The unseasonal rains also created a record of being the wettest October day that exceeded this month's average rainfall of just 1.1 mm.

Road and air traffic were severely affected due to the thunderstorm, with some flights being diverted to neighbouring Kuwait and Iran.

The Qatari government has ordered schools, colleges, and government buildings to be closed until the situation improves. Residents have been warned not to venture out on flooded roads and stand near trees and other objects owing to gusty winds.

Although the flood waters have receded at many places in Qatar, thunderstorms and rains are forecast on Sunday and Monday, before dry and sunny days return to Doha and around. The downpour is expected to be light and not prolonged.