UAE stormy weather update: Stay away from sea, wadis, strong winds

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) has continued to warn of unstable weather, which may cause rainfall.
Winds will be moderate to strong, causing rising dust and dirt in some areas and may lead to low visibility with sea turbulence.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) in a statement warned seafarers in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to be cautious and exercise extra care as severe disturbances at sea were expected.

The centre also called for motorists to use caution on the roads due to low-visibility and refrain from venturing into wadis which are prone to flash flooding.

It also predicted unstable weather for this Thursday and Friday. The centre called on people, especially those living in areas that are exposed to heavy rain and strong winds, to be cautious.

Earlier forecast

Unpack those umbrellas and brace yourself for stormy skies ahead, as heavy rains are expected to lash parts of the UAE tomorrow (Wednesday, November 20).

The “unstable weather conditions”, which has already brought a deluge of rainfall to the emirates, resulting in partial flooding in parts of Sharjah, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, is expected to worsen on Wednesday and Thursday with the onset of a new weather system.

Even as the country’s National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) predicts rain to fall in the eastern parts of the UAE and the islands, the western regions will bear the brunt come Wednesday.

The wet weather will take us into Thursday and the early part of the weekend, with thunderstorms forecasted in the evenings, and a significant dip in the mercury; the mountains will see the temperature drop to 9 degrees Celsius.

The mountain range that borders Oman could also see snow, according to the NCMS, as the temperatures in the upper atmosphere drop below freezing.

Those heading out at sea are also being warned of rough weather ahead, with turbulent seas and high waves in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

A thick blanket of fog will also accompany the rainy weather, significantly reducing visibility, warned the NCMS.

Meanwhile, even as the internal areas may not experience the heavy rains, they will have to endure winds of 50kmph, bringing in yet another sandstorm like the one that hit parts of Dubai and Jebel Ali on Sunday, reducing visibility again.

The wet weather brought its brunt to the UAE last Thursday, putting Fujairah underwater and plunging the emirate into darkness in a brief power outage.

The rains continued to lash the eastern and northern emirates in the corresponding days, with floods reported in low lying areas and water accumulating in the wadis.

The Sharjah Air Wing was also called in to rescue 10 UAE nationals on Sunday after they were trapped in the floods caused by heavy rains in Wadi Al Beih in Ras Al Khaimah.

To put things into perspective, from November 14 to 17, reservoirs of 30 dams across the country have collected nearly four million cubic metres (880 million gallons) of water, according to figures released by the Ministry of Environment and Water.

Salim Fareed, Director of Dams Department at the Ministry, said six dams in the northern region kept the largest quantities of water at 2.2 million cubic metres.

He noted the highest rainfalls were recorded in Fujairah.

With more rains expected to fall in the next few days, he added, dams will retain more water and this will replenish the underground water tables and herald a good farming season.

Precautionary procedures in case of rain

Major General Mohammed bin Al Awadhi Al Menhali, Director General of Police Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, encouraged citizens and residents who enjoy wilderness trips to observe weather changes before departing on their trips, especially if they are heading to the eastern and southern parts of the country. In order to maintain their safety, those who would like to go to these areas must avoid water-gathering areas, water valleys, natural water channels, and water-immersed locations.

He also advised wilderness travelers and campers to follow a number of safety measures during their trips. The measures include avoiding camping in water valleys in case of rain or flash floods, not to risk crossing flooded water valleys, keeping the children away from water valleys and marshes, and avoiding low lying lands and the bottomlands of valleys. The procedures also include abstaining from standing and using radio devices and cellphones in uncovered areas during lighting and thunder storms.

Major General Al Menhali asked all motorists to abide by designated speed limits, keep a safety distance between vehicles and wear seatbelts. Drivers must also refrain from using hand held devices while driving, remaining in their lane and avoiding improper overtaking.

He also called upon drivers to carry out regular vehicle inspections, especially tires, breaks, and front and rear windscreen wipers. Drivers are also advised to change engine oil, air filters, and the other parts that require changing and regular maintenance. This helps to avoid malfunctions and accidents.

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