Hailstorm, rain lashes Ras Al Khaimah

The rains, accompanied by lightning, thunder and strong winds, flooded some main roads and mountainous valleys, emirate experiences power cuts in some areas.

Heavy to moderate rains and hailstorm lashed different parts of Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The rains, accompanied by lightning, thunder and strong winds, flooded some main roads and mountainous valleys in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate experienced power cuts in some areas, while some roads — particularly towards the south — had to be closed.

Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of the RAK Public Works and Services department, said they deployed up to 20 tankers for pumping out accumulated rain water in low-level areas and main roads. Roads damaged by the rains have been marked for repairs, he said.

The department received many complaints from the public about water logging in their houses. “Some houses were flooded following heavy showers, but now the water has been cleared.”

The RAK Civil Defence has warned the public against venturing out into mountainous regions and valleys. “The heavy rains have flooded many valleys,” said Lt-Col Juma Al Kibali, head of operations.

The RAK Police have urged motorists to be cautious on the roads of the emirate during the unstable weather.

Col Ali Saeed Alalaikam, Director of Traffic and Patrols department, RAK Police, said they have deployed additional patrols on highways and internal roads of the emirate to guide motorists.

The police also cautioned beach-goers about the unstable weather.

‘Spillover effect’

In Oman too, the mercury dipped considerably as a freak hailstorm and rains lashed Muscat and northern parts of the country on Saturday. What the UAE saw was a spillover effect of this weather condition.

In Dubai, cool winds brought down temperature and people were already on the lookout for camping spots.

According to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology, the UAE may see low clouds and moderate winds today, and there is a possibility of fog/mist in the western areas. The mercury may dip further on Tuesday, and it may get “rather cold during night, especially the mountains and inland areas”, the NCMS weather report added.

Parts of Muscat could be seen blanketed in a white sheet with residents out on the streets and making the most of the weather by clicking photographs and uploading them on social media sites.

Birka, 81km north to Muscat, and other northern Oman towns like Musanah experienced hailstorm. Children and adults alike enjoyed the aftermath of hailstorm as they frolicked in the ‘snow-like’ situation.

According to the weather reports, low pressure developed in the northern part of Oman caused rain and hailstorm. -ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com