Video: Roads closed temporarily as rains lash UAE

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Video: Roads closed temporarily as rains lash UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - The rainy weather is expected to continue at least till Wednesday.

Published: Mon 29 Oct 2018, 5:58 PM

Some roads had to be shut down as heavy rains lashed different parts of the UAE in the last two days. Photos and videos shared on social media showed flood-like situations in valleys and mountains in the northern emirates.
The Sharjah Police have closed the Wadi Al Helou road due to flash floods in the valley. The Ras Al Khaimah Police also closed the road leading to Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE, due to incessant rains.
Both police forces have advised motorists to stay away from valleys and mountainous areas as they could get caught in flash floods.
The rainy weather is expected to continue at least till Wednesday.
According to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), heavy rains are lashing the Sama area in Ras Al Khaimah; Wadi Al Sedar, Tibaa, and Al Khalibiya areas in Fujairah; Ghayathi in Al Dhafra; and Delma. Rains have also been reported from Khor Fakkan.

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Though the pleasant weather has encouraged residents to go to valleys and mountains, the authorities have warned against it. Recently, a truck driver died as his vehicle got swept away in flash floods after incessant rains in Ras Al Khaimah's Al Qur Valley. Three other SUVs were swept away in the same valley, but the authorities managed to rescue the drivers and retrieve the vehicles.
The police have urged all drivers to be "extra careful", reduce speed, and avoid the valleys. "More traffic patrols have been stationed on all roads of the emirate to attend to urgent cases, if any, and ensure traffic flow."
The police warned that it was dangerous for people to go out in this unstable weather.
In its five-day weather bulletin, the NCM has predicted rain clouds, rain and winds with speeds of up to 45kmph till Wednesday. "The region will be under the extension of the Red Sea low pressure accompanied with a western upper air trough. A large amounts of clouds will flow from north and central Saudi Arabia towards the country at intervals," said the NCM.
The authority warned of blowing dust and reduced visibility.
Dr Ahmad Habib, a weather expert with the NCM, urged residents to be careful when stepping out. "Be on the alert as hazardous weather with exceptional severity is forecast.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com