Weather warning issued as UAE lashed by floods and storms

Torrential rain is causing major disruption across the country

The National
Apr 14, 2019
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Residents are being urged to stay away from areas hit by flash floods - after parts of the country were battered by fierce storms on Saturday.

Flooding and landslides were reported in Fujairah, while downpours were also causing major disruption in Ras Al Khaimah.

The National Centre for Meteorology reported heavy rainfall across Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The NCMS sent out a weather warning to the public to steer clear of places affected by flooding.

Bands of rain over the UAE on April 13, 2019. Courtesy NCM 
Bands of rain over the UAE on April 13, 2019. Courtesy NCM 

Roads and wadis across the country were affected by the deluge of rain. The advisory warned residents to stay away from flooded areas until late Sunday morning.

A huge bolt of lightning was seen above Burj Khalifa in Dubai as the extreme weather took hold.

Police in Dubai urged motorists to take care while driving in hazardous conditions.

In the capital, Abu Dhabi Municipality called on residents to take precautions during the storm, and welcomed residents to call the office to notify them of fallen trees & streetlights and flooded areas.

Read more: UAE weather - Rain returns in Dubai with strong winds and thunder

Storm Centre, a popular extreme UAE weather channel posted a string of user-submitted videos of flooded wadis in Ras Al Khaimah, rain lashing across roads in Umm Al Quawain and a man collecting hail stones in RAK.

Earlier, the National Center of Meteorology warned seagoers of thunder and fresh to strong winds reaching up to 60kph in the Arabian Gulf. Seas will continue to be rough heading into Sunday.

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