Major sand storm heads towards Dubai; Rains lash Fujairah

A major sandstorm was seen to be heading towards the city of Dubai from the inland desert, accordingto eyewitness reports.

Emirates 24|7 readers phoned into say that visibility in the Dubai Silicon Oasis area along Al Ain Road is very poort with strong winds and blowing sand obscuring the road at times.

"Driving along the Al Ain road is difficult at times. I would urge all drivers to be extra careful and put on their fog lights. The sand seems to come in waves and bursts and reduces visibility substantially, and then it clears again. In fact, I would advise all drivers to be careful along all roads," said a mortorist along the road.

Dubai Silicon Oasis, Skycourts and Ruwayyah, on the outskirts of Dubai, are some 105 kilometres from Al Ain.

The sand storm near Ras al Khor and other parts of Dubai, is causing traffic to slow down.

“Many motorists were using fog lights and driving slowly through the Emirates Road and other highways because the visibility level has been low,” said a  motorist shuttling through Emirates Road.

The Meteorology Office has predicted windy afternoon, with East winds of 20-30 knots causing sand storm in parts of the city.

Meanwhile, different parts of the emirate of Fujiarah witnessed heavy rainfall and lightening. Heavy rainfall was reported from Masafi, Khorfakkan and Fujairah by afternoon.

In recent days, the UAE has been witnessing unusual weather with rains and thunderstorms in the northern emirates and high winds and poor visibility elsewhere.

On Tuesday, the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) warned from sea and beach activities in the Sea of Oman due to cumulus clouds causing high waves.

There were chances of light rain in the Emirate of Fujairah accompanied by lightning and thunder, the centre added. 

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