Saudi Arabia hit by sandstorm

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia was shrouded in darkness Sunday afternoon as a sandstorm blanketed the cities of Riyadh, Qassim, King Fahad and Khurais, officials said.

Gulf News reports the city of Riyadh was totally dark by 4 p.m. as clouds gathered and dust fogged the streets, followed by rains.

Hospitals under the Ministry of Health were prepared to admit patients injured by the dust storm, said Dr. Adnan Bin Sulaiman Al Abdul Karim.

Residents said the rains helped wash away the mess often left behind after such a storm.