A dramatic video showing lightning striking the iconic Makkah Royal Clock Tower in Saudi Arabia has gone viral on social media, capturing a spectacular moment during severe weather in the holy city.
The incident occurred as thunderstorms and heavy rain swept across Makkah, with intense lightning activity reported across the region. Footage circulating online shows a powerful bolt of lightning hitting the top of the approximately 601-meter-high clock tower, briefly illuminating the structure and surrounding sky.
The striking images quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention from viewers around the world. The tower, located near the Grand Mosque, is one of Makkah’s most recognizable landmarks and its height makes it particularly prominent during storms.
Reports said the lightning strike was recorded on August 26 amid unstable weather conditions in Makkah and parts of western Saudi Arabia. The National Center for Meteorology had warned of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible hazardous conditions in parts of the region.
The stormy conditions also affected worshippers and Umrah pilgrims in the area, with heavy rain and strong winds reported around the Grand Mosque. Despite the dramatic weather, footage showed worshippers continuing their prayers at the holy site.
There have been no credible reports of major damage or casualties resulting from the lightning strike. The tower is equipped with lightning protection systems designed to safely conduct electrical discharges away from the structure.
The viral footage has since become one of the most widely shared images from the latest storm in Makkah, offering a striking glimpse of the severe weather conditions affecting the region.