Most parts of Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain were flooded leading to major traffic disruptions.  According to the meteorological office, Dubai received 54.6mm of rainfall, Sharjah 105.4mm and Ras Al Khaimah 78mm until yesterday night. Dubai Meteorological Office Manager Dave Thomas said that this is the heaviest rainfall in a decade.  “In 1995, Dubai saw 18 rain days in December. This year, we certainly expect some more showers,” he said.

More than 53 people, including three UAE nationals, were stranded in the mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, the worst-affected region. RAK Police helicopters were pressed into service to rescue the men from the mountainous area of Wadi Al Beer. The men, who went to the mountains for a camping expedition, were later admitted to Al Saqr Hospital.

In RAK city, life came to a standstill as the roads remained water-logged inconveniencing commuters immensely. Taxis and buses remained off the roads, forcing residents to stay indoors for most part of the day.

The situation was no better in Al Ain, Dubai and the northern emirates with the country experiencing a steady drizzle followed by intermittent heavy showers throughout the day. More showers, though not heavy, are expected in the next couple of days. While Dubai can expect a somewhat sunny weather tomorrow, other places could expect moderate showers, the met office said.

The temperature in Dubai dropped to 16 degree Celsius, the met office said, adding that winds blew at 13 km/h from the west while the maximum humidity was 94 per cent.

Motorists had a tough time, thanks to the poor visibility in the morning in Dubai and Sharjah. “The traffic moved really slowly,” said Rehan Siddiq who takes the Al Ittihad Road daily to reach his office in Bur Dubai.

Commuters waiting for public transport were stranded for hours. “My bus did not stop because it was already full,” said Saji who waited in Deira for over an hour for a bus. “Taxis also refused to stop,” said another commuter who was late for her meeting in Jumeirah.

The Operation Room of the Dubai Police reported 678 traffic accidents from Monday afternoon until yesterday morning caused primarily by the poor visibility. Five people were hurt in separate accidents. No deaths were reported.

The Sharjah Police reported no major accidents.

Flights remained unaffected at both Dubai and Sharjah airports, airport officials said. Sources at the two airports confirmed that all outgoing and incoming flights operated on time yesterday.