Rain-hit UAE sees rise in crashes

Dubai - Some areas in Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah were blanketed in sheets of white as it hailed for several minutes.

Two Emiratis were killed in separate accidents caused by speeding on rain-drenched roads on Sunday. In the first accident reported in Al Seyouh area, a 27-year-old was speeding through deep puddles when he lost control over his vehicle, causing it to flip over multiple times. He died instantly, the police said.
In the afternoon, a 21-year-old Emirati died and another was injured after their car crashed into a light pole on the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road. The driver was speeding on the wet road when he lost control over the vehicle. The injured were airlifted to Al Qasimi Hospital but the 21-year-old succumbed to injuries on the way.
Rains, this time accompanied by strong, chilly winds, continued for the third day straight, resulting in flooded valleys, roof collapses, flight delays, traffic accidents and cars breaking down in the middle of flooded roads. Public parks in Sharjah were closed while Dubai's Global Village remained shut for the second consecutive day on Sunday.
Some areas in Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah were blanketed in sheets of white as it hailed for several minutes. As forecast by the National Centre of Meteorology, the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais, also received some snow and hail.
Flight delays
Several flights were delayed for hours or cancelled altogether due to the heavy rains, making it the third day of air traffic disruption. Flydubai, for instance, cancelled 13 flights on Sunday. Emirates said it had cancelled "several" flights departing from or arriving at the Dubai International Airport (DXB).
"Customers affected by flight cancellations are automatically rebooked on the next available flight, and onward connections if applicable," the airline said.
Both airlines advised passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flight's departure time.
Passengers took to social media to complain about the hours-long wait. Dave Pendleton tweeted: "Arrived home at 3.20am this morning (Sunday) after an epic 43-hour journey from Seoul via Dubai. Three sets of air crew, two planes and a 16 hour delay at #Dubai airport."

• UAE
• Dubai