Egypt's tourism ministry has ordered all tourism companies and travel agents to suspend tours or group tourism activities on Friday and Saturday due to the stormy weather conditions the country is experiencing.

The suspension is “for the safety of tourists, tour guides and drivers,” and includes “marine activities like diving” read the statement, which said legal penalties would be pursued against companies that violated the directive.

Egypt has been experiencing heavy rain and stormy conditions since Tuesday, with the bad weather claiming 16 lives nationwide in that period.

More bad weather is expected on Friday and Saturday, with a new storm coming in from the Mediterranean.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority said the country, and especially Alexandria and the North Coast, can expect thunderstorms and heavy rainfall this weekend.

Schools have been cancelled in Alexandria and residents warned by authorities not to travel unless essential.