It’s raining mud!

Overloaded drains sent water out onto the streets, flights were diverted and mud-spattered cars collided as the weather caused chaos in the UAE again on Sunday, but thankfully the weather looks set to improve.

Rain-shy Dubai was pelted again, with a deluge hitting at around 10am, followed by thunderstorms and lightening an hour later, adding to the minor flooding in some areas of the city.

Temperatures dropped close to 20 degrees Celcius, and wind and dust continued to limit visibility throughout the morning, with chaos erupting on the roads and traffic backed up on Shaikh Zayed Road during the morning commute.

The tumultuous weather claimed the lives of four people to road accidents in Dubai and Sharjah, while 388 minor traffic accidents were witnessed across the emirates during Saturday and Sunday’s freak stromy weather.

Director of the Abu Dhabi Police Operations Department Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Suliman AL Maskari urged motorists to exercise extra caution, reduce speed and drive carefully during any climatic changes.

Meanwhile, 36 flights were diverted from landing at Dubai International Airport due to the weather, which did not clear until about 1pm on Sunday. By 4.30pm, two of those flights had still not reached Dubai.

The motorbike section of the international cross-country rally the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge was called off for the first time in the event’s 23 year history, and approximately 116 kilometres was carved off the car section, organisers said.

The Emirates Driving Institute advised drivers to use dipped headlights in poor visibility, ensure wiper blades and tyres were in good condition, maintain at least 4—6 seconds distance behind the car in front, and avoid aggressive braking or overtaking. The weather also invaded Twitter and Facebook with some people marvelling at the “magical” colours and “loving ... the eerie sandstorm sweeping over Dubai”, while others like Ashik Mohd tweeted miserably that it was “dull and gloomy”.

While some heralded the arrival of “Sandstormaggedon”, others noted online photo-sharing and social networking service Instagram was not needed as Dubai’s weather could add that sense of vintage colour itself.

Linda Hollier pointed out the perils of walking through the rain in your work clothes: “Sandstorm + Rain = It’s raining mud!”, and animal lovers were advised to keep pets indoors to avoid allergies or eye infections. According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), today and the rest of the week looks slightly better, with only partially cloudy weather and moderate winds. Humidity will continue to increase, and there may be a chance of fog over some areas. Day temperatures will gradually rise.

sarah@khaleejtimes.com

Strong sandstorms hit Jebel Hafeet-Al Ain City road on Saturday resulting in low visibility. — KT photo by Nezar Balout

Heavy rain caused traffic chaos leading to road accidents in Dubai.— KT photo by Mukesh Kamal

The collapsed boundary walls of a construction site after the storm in Sharjah.— KT photo by M. Sajjad