Dozens of accidents as extreme weather causes chaos on Dubai roads

Police receive 2,500 calls in just four hours and respond to nearly 150 incidents

Police responded to nearly 150 accidents in four hours and fielded thousands of calls as heavy rain lashed the emirate. Chris Whiteoak/The National

A deluge of rain which flooded roads in Dubai led to nearly 150 accidents as police received more than 2,500 emergency calls in just four hours.

The ferocious weather conditions that struck the emirate prompted a safety warning for motorists from police.

Police recorded 147 traffic accidents and fielded 2,566 calls from 6am until 10am on Monday.

Heavy rainfall and low visibility can present a danger to drivers, said Colonel Muhammad Al Muhairi, acting director of the command and control centre for Dubai Police.

He urged motorists to abide by traffic regulations and weather warnings - and watch their speed when road conditions takes a turn for the worst.

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“Most importantly is to avoid speeding, check your vehicles for any problems and for lights, leave enough  distance and stay in lane until its safe to change it,” he said.

He also called on people to allow for extra time to get to work as the tough weather conditions are likely to lead to delays.
Dubai Police said it increased the number of its 24-hour patrols in mountainous areas too,  mainly in Hatta.

In Sharjah, no severe accidents were recorded.

Lieutenant colonel Mohammed Allay Al Naqbi, head of traffic department and patrols in Sharjah police, called on motorists to adhere to speed limits and requested they give way to emergency vehicles responding to incidents.