ABU DHABI // Fog blanketed parts of the country early Monday morning, causing traffic delays during peak hours as commuters manouvered roadways in low visibility.
Dubai Police tweeted: “A major traffic jam reported on SZR from the 4th Bridge toward the Trade Center tunnel”.
Major delays were also reported on the southbound traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road near Al Raha Beach entering into Abu Dhabi city.
“Motorists are urged to take extra caution,” the Ministry of Interior posted on Twitter.
It also posted a short video on Instagram of motorists using their hazard lights, calling it a common mistake drivers make in foggy conditions.
Etihad Airways also released a statement saying: “Flights are operating as normal this morning. However, as a result of unexpected fog, a small number of flights may experience minor delays.”
The carrier experienced major disruptions last week due to dense fog and a "technical failure" with runway systems.
The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) warned caution, particularly in northern coastal areas and the Abu Dhabi–Dubai road.
The centre reported a 3.0-magnitude earthquake off the coast in the Gulf of Oman at a depth of 10km at 11.46pm on Sunday night about 10km east of Dibba, with light tremors felt in Dibba city.
Clouds are expected to increase over the mountains by afternoon, with light to moderate winds and humidity increasing on Monday night and early on Tuesday morning over coastal areas, the NCMS said in its three-day forecast.
Temperatures on the coasts could reach up to 33 deg Celsius, with highs of 36 in inner areas and 23 in the mountains.
Hazy and partly cloudy conditions are also expected for Tuesday morning, with clouds increasing particularly in northern and eastern areas and winds picking up dust in the morning.
lcarroll@thenational.ae
