Dubai: An orange alert was issued in UAE on Thursday due to heavy rainfall and strong winds in some areas. While some residents could stay indoors, others had to wake up early to deal with the impact of the weather on their neighbourhoods.
In the northern part of the country, dark rain clouds covered the mountains, resulting in waterfalls gushing out.
The country has been preparing for this unstable weather for the past few days, with safety advisories issued across various sectors. Schools have been conducting distance learning, while companies have been urged to let employees work from home. Additionally, parks and beaches have been closed, and airports and airlines have been taking measures to prepare for the impact of the weather.
As per the alerts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the heavy rains began around midnight. Dubai experienced showers and lightning as early as 2:35 am.
The UAE experienced heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, parts of Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. Residents in Dubai woke up early on Thursday morning to strong winds, thunder, and lightning at around 3 am, which is earlier than the forecasted time.
The National Center of Meteorology has urged citizens to follow safety measures during such conditions.
According to reports, moderate to heavy rains were reported over the western islands of Abu Dhabi, including Al Abyad Island, along with small hailstones in some areas by 1:30 am. Moderate rainfall with lighting and thunder was also reported around the same time in Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Al Shawamekh in Abu Dhabi.
By 2:30 am, heavy rainfall with lightning and thunder was reported across most parts of Abu Dhabi, following which the cloud cover quickly moved towards Dubai due to strong winds. At 3 am, Dubai residents experienced strong winds and heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, recorded in several areas such as Jebel Ali, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Investments Park, and Jumeirah Village Triangle.
As the clouds moved towards the eastern and southern parts of the country, other areas of Dubai received moderate to heavy rainfall from 3:30 to 4:30 am, after which the intensity of rainfall decreased in Dubai. Meanwhile, rain clouds also developed over Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ajman, causing light to moderate rain by 4 am.
The UAE experienced heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, parts of Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. Residents in Dubai woke up early on Thursday morning to strong winds, thunder, and lightning at around 3 am, which is earlier than the forecasted time.
According to reports, moderate to heavy rains were reported over the western islands of Abu Dhabi, including Al Abyad Island, along with small hailstones in some areas by 1:30 am. Moderate rainfall with lighting and thunder was also reported around the same time in Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Al Shawamekh in Abu Dhabi.
By 2:30 am, heavy rainfall with lightning and thunder was reported across most parts of Abu Dhabi, following which the cloud cover quickly moved towards Dubai due to strong winds. At 3 am, Dubai residents experienced strong winds and heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, recorded in several areas such as Jebel Ali, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Investments Park, and Jumeirah Village Triangle.
As the clouds moved towards the eastern and southern parts of the country, other areas of Dubai received moderate to heavy rainfall from 3:30 to 4:30 am, after which the intensity of rainfall decreased in Dubai. Meanwhile, rain clouds also developed over Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ajman, causing light to moderate rain by 4 am.
The National Center of Meteorology has urged residents to take necessary precautions during such weather conditions and avoid driving unless necessary. They have also advised citizens to remain alert while driving to ensure the safety of all road users.