Another storm in Middle East may threaten to bring additional flooding to Iran
This footage from Shiraz, Iran shows unprecedented floodwaters sweeping away dozens of vehicles as people climb on top to escape. Major floods across much of Iran have killed at least 19 and injured dozens. Such widespread flooding is unprecedented in arid Iran. Until 2018 the country was dealing with decades of drought.
Following deadly flooding, more heavy rain will target the Middle East into the start of April.
Through Monday, a storm moving across the region will become stronger as it moves eastward, bringing the steadiest rain from Syria and Lebanon to southeast Iraq, western Iran and southeast Turkey.
Spottier showers and thunderstorms will also dot far northeastern Egypt, southern Israel, Jordan, northern Saudi Arabia and Kuwait over the next several days.
Ahead of any wet weather, windy conditions are likely to bring blowing dust on the southern side of the storm, including locations in southern Iran to Saudi Arabia. Blowing sand and dust could create reduced visibility, as well as poor air quality from Sunday to Monday.
"The storm will be slow-moving, allowing for repeated rounds of rain over several days," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk.
"Deadly flooding will again be a concern as rain and thunderstorms move through the mountainous areas of Iraq and western Iran into Monday," Houk said.
The highest rainfall totals may be measured in the northern Zagros Mountains in Iran, where there can be 150-300 mm (6-12 inches) with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 450 mm (18 inches).
Military vehicles rescue people after flash flooding around the northern city of Aq Qala in Golestan province, Iran, Monday, March 25, 2019.
This event could further exacerbate lingering flooding issues following the heavy rain earlier this month.
At least 32 people were killed in Iran as a result of severe flooding that occurred on 25 March after a robust storm swept through the Middle East, according to Radio Farda.
Flooding was reported in 28 of the 31 provinces in Iran, including in the capital of Tehran.
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