A LONG RAINY WINTER BRINGS CHEERS, WOES
20mm rain reported on Sunday; conditions may ease today
dubai — For the past week, the wet and cold weather witnessed across the country may have been welcomed with open arms by many residents here, but for motorists, they’re not quite feeling the love.
The current bout of rainfall has had an adverse effect on driving conditions on the country’s roads, and on Sunday it caused multiple accidents and increased congestion in certain areas across several emirates. Accidents were recorded along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed road, Sheikh Zayed road, as well as Al Garhoud Bridge.
Additonally, metro stations across Dubai were thronged with passengers trying to catch a break from the wet conditions.
Around 20 millimetres of rain was measured in the UAE on Sunday, according to an official at the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), but for those not quite embracing the wet conditions, there is good news — things should settle down today.
“We don’t expect rains to continue from Monday afternoon until Tuesday,” NCMS forecaster, Swaleh Khattar told Khaleej Times.
Although Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Fujairah have all shared in the unstable weather conditions, it seems those staying in Ras Al Khaimah saw the worst of it, with many forced to exercise extra caution because of the rain. As heavy showers and hail lashed all areas of the emirate, the northern and southern regions proved worst hit.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Sunday, Emirati national Saeed Ali said the rains continued for hours, accompanied by thunder and lightening. But for computer engineer Mohamed Nasser, it was the valleys that saw the most showers, with large pieces of hail also making an appearance.
From today, the weather in the UAE will, however, settle. It will be partly cloudy in general but the clouds will decrease in the afternoon and the following days, with little chance of rain.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
dubai — Around 20millimetres of rain was measured in the UAE on Sunday, according to an official at the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).
Light to heavy rains were received in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and various other parts of the UAE, with around 20millimetres of rain measured, said Dr Ahmed Habeeb, a meteorologist and cloud seeding expert at the NCMS.
Also, Sunday’s rainfall across parts of the country had an adverse effect on driving conditions on the country’s roads, causing minor accidents and increased congestion in certain areas.
Five people were injured in a pile-up accident at around 5.15pm along Al Garhoud Bridge in Dubai on Sunday. Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director General of the Department of Traffic of Dubai Police, said police officials and ambulances rushed to the site immediately, where a pile up involving five cars had occurred in the direction of Deira. He said that one person was seriously injured, two sustained moderate injuries, and two sustained minor injuries
The wet and cold weather that has covered the country since last week was expected to last only until Monday morning.
We don’t expect rains on from Monday afternoon until Tuesday.” Swaleh Khattar, forecaster
“We don’t expect rains on from Monday afternoon until Tuesday,” another forecaster, Swaleh Khattar, said.
Although the rain has caused havoc for motorists, in contrast, many residents have been welcoming the cold, wet weather with open arms.
However, those staying in Ras Al Khaimah say they have had to exercise extra caution because of the rain. As heavy showers and hail lashed all areas in the emirate, the northern and southern regions proved worst hit. The rains left big ponds of water, mainly at the deep valleys and mountainous areas, such as the Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE, and Wadi Ghalila.
Saeed Ali, an Emirati, told Khaleej Times that the heavy rains did not come to a stop of long hours. “The lightning is seen and thunder is heard everywhere.”
Mohamed Nasser, an Emirati computer engineer, said the valleys here saw most of the showers, as in Wadi Qadaah where large pieces of hail were seen everywhere. Most families went out to enjoy the rain, mainly at the mountainous areas and nearby valleys, said Abdullah Alshemeili, an Emirati. “But, people have to be cautious as it is raining heavily, and the valleys are so dangerous now.”
The RAK Police have, meanwhile, deployed more patrols to ensure traffic flow and recover the stuck and non-functioning vehicles due to the showers and flooded valleys, if any. Residents of the areas much exposed to pouring showers and strong winds, are requested to immediately call (999) in case of emergency.
“All resident are advised to avoid mountainous areas, and the strong currents of the valleys here, while all motorists are requested to reduce speed, be attentive on the road and observe rules.”
The RAK department of public works and services has also deployed a big number of tankers to suck out the accumulated ponds of rainwater, particularly at the low level areas and major roads.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com