Heavy rain, thunderstorms hit parts of UAE

Parts of the United Arab Emirates came to a standstill on Saturday as thunderstorms swept across the emirate, with roads quickly flooded shortly after 1:00pm

As skies darkened and thunder rumbled across the country, standing water slowed traffic.

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Residents tweeted about the lightning strikes across the country, with many rejoicing at the rare wet weather.

“Finally! It’s raining,” said one user on the social media platform.

“It’s raining beautifully in Dubai right now,” said another.

Another wrote: “Normally we don’t get rain in the UAE so we never buy an umbrella. Been in the car for 30 minutes and we can’t go home.”

The downpour has prompted warnings from forecasters and security forces across the country.

The National Meteorological Center issued a yellow alert for most of the UAE, urging residents to take precautions and warning of reduced visibility.

A yellow alert – a sign of severe weather – has also been issued for parts of the UAE.

Weather forecasters warned motorists to stay off the road. They should “drive with caution and remain vigilant and vigilant for the safety of all road users and switch on dipped beams when visibility is reduced”, if necessary.

Parts of Abu Dhabi, including Yas Island, were hit by heavy rains in the morning, according to the NCM.

Rain was also seen in Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Ajman.

The lowest temperature this morning was 7.1°C, recorded at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.

The UAE Ministry of Interior also issued a warning on wet weather on Twitter: “As several parts of the country are exposed to fluctuating weather conditions with heavy rain and high winds, please use caution when driving and avoid valleys and places where water flows.”

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More wet weather ahead for UAE, police urge drivers to exercise caution