Wind uproots trees, sends metal sheets flying as rain lashes UAE

Top Stories

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

rain in UAE, heavy rain, thunder, rainfall, cloud seeding, monsoon, weather

Abu Dhabi - Police have advised motorists to drive slow.

By Ismail Sebugwaawo

Published: Mon 11 Nov 2019, 3:33 PM

Strong winds uprooted trees and sent metal sheets flying around as rain lashed parts of Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Different areas experienced varying rain intensities. In Abu Dhabi city, the downpour started after 11am and continued throughout the afternoon, while drizzles were observed in the outskirts, including Musaffah, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Khalifa City and other areas.

Residents also experienced thunderstorms in several neighbourhoods.

In Al Bateen and Khalidiyah areas, trees were uprooted and metal sheet fences around construction sites were torn apart.

Video: Wind uproots trees, sends metal sheets flying as #rain lashes #UAE.

Read more: https://t.co/rnGNQ8GB6p

(Video by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times) pic.twitter.com/tsgvPP3HWq
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) November 10, 2019

Sudhir Pattel, an Indian expat who lives in Khalidiyah, said: "In our area, small trees fell and sign boards were blown off from buildings."

Hajj Mohammed, a Ugandan expat working in the Mina area, said: "It rained heavily that I had to cancel my mid-day business meeting."

Warnings issued

The Abu Dhabi Traffic Police issued warnings urging motorists to be cautious as the rain, strong winds and fog are expected to continue in the coming days.

They also reminded drivers to go slow and follow traffic safety rules.

"Drivers should drive safely and leave enough distance between vehicles amid the heavy fog and poor visibility, especially during early morning hours and at night," an officer said.

Police also urged motorists to avoid overtaking, use low beam lights, refrain from using hazard lights, and monitor advisories from the authorities.

Speed limits are lowered during hazardous weather conditions, and updates are posted on electronic sign boards and sent out via SMS.

Motorists' driving speed should not exceed 80kmph when road visibility is reduced to less than 2,000m, the police said.

Beach goers must also take extra precaution as rough seas are expected during the rainy days, they added.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com