Extreme weather brings winds, fierce rains to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca

Pilgrims doing the tawaf on Tuesday were caught in storms as lightning hit an iconic tower in Mecca. Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest sites, has seen extreme storms and rain that affected pilgrims, shuttered schools and caused chaotic scenes. As the rare scenes were unfolding at the giant black cube towards which all Muslims pray, another video showed a bolt of lightning striking the iconic Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower hotel, illuminating the night sky on Tuesday.