UAE forecasters issue weather warning over heavy rain, hail and flooding

Roads closed and weather warnings issued as rain lashes northern emirates

Expected rain across the UAE this week. The storms will move eastwards over the next few says. Courtesy National Centre of Meteorology

Heavy rain and hailstorms caused flooding in the mountainous areas of Ras Al Khaimah and in Fujairah on Sunday, prompting a weather warning from the country's forecaster.

Videos of water gushing through wadis and down roads in the northern emirate were shared by the National Centre of Meteorology along with a warning upgrading danger levels from "be aware" to "be prepared".

The orange warning calls on residents to be alert for hazardous weather and to comply with advice from authorities.

Forecasts indicate heavy rain and high winds along the border of Oman and in northern Fujairah, in Dibba and Khorfakkan.

Students of Rumaitha Al Ansari School in Marbad area in Fujairah were unable to reach their houses after the nearby wadi flooded on Sunday.

Fujairah Police said that the students were kept at the school for their safety and were sent back to their houses after the roads were clear.

RAK Police closed the road leading to Jebal Jais after flooding and heavy rain caused landslides along the mountain-side.

Sharjah Police advised motorists to reduce their speed during downpours, to keep a safe distance between vehicles and abide by traffic rules.

They called on the public to stay away from valleys and dams to avoid being swept away by flash-flooding and advised fishing trawlers not to leave port on Sunday due to the unstable conditions.

Stormy weather is also expected in the western region of Abu Dhabi emirate, in Madinat Zayed and Liwa.

On Saturday, forecasters said low pressure weather systems in Jordan and Saudi Arabia will draw rain clouds towards the UAE.

The rain will be of “varying intensity” across different areas of the country up until Wednesday, forecaster said.

The stormy weather will move from the west and coastal areas inland over the next few days.

This month, parts of the Northern Emirates were hit by flash flooding that claimed the life of a lorry driver who was swept away while driving through Wadi Al Quor in Ras Al Khaimah.

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