UAE residents have been asked to be careful while venturing out during the Eid weekend as weather forecasts have predicted rain. On Saturday morning, rain swept through several parts of the UAE accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning. Water accumulation could be seen in some parts of the city after the shower.
Sharjah police authorities took to social media to warn drivers to be mindful on the roads. “Drivers are urged to maintain a safer driving distance, reduce speed, adhere to careful driving and avoid valleys and dams to stay safe,” the authority wrote in a post.
Dubai Police also posted on its social media reminding drivers the best practices for driving after rains. “Rainy weather requires extra caution Stay alert, anticipate others’ mistakes, and follow these safety tips to prevent accidents,” they wrote on a social media post that shared a poster on what to look out for when driving in rainy weather.
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The tips included ensuring the safety and proper condition of tires, windshield wipers, and vehicle lighting; reducing speed on wet roads and avoiding sudden braking. It also advised people to stay away from valleys and areas with water accumulation.
Dubai Police has advised residents to be mindful when taking to the roads
Abu Dhabi police warn of fines
Abu Dhabi Police issued a statement on social media, urging drivers to adhere to safe driving during rainfall and weather fluctuations, to check the weather conditions before driving out, and to avoid approaching areas of valley flows and water accumulations.
They reminded that the violation of entering flowing valleys, regardless of the level of danger, is a fine of Dh2000, vehicle impoundment for 60 days, and 23 traffic points.
Weather forecast in UAE
According to a weather forecast issued by National Center of Meteorology, residents can expect a week of unsettled weather, with rain, thunder and possible hail forecast in parts of the country. Rain is expected to continue in varying intensity across the weekend and the next week.
Precautionary measures
Weather enthusiast Muhammed Sajjad, more popularly known on social media as UAE weatherman, said that he has been advising residents to be careful where they go exploring over the Eid weekend. “People tend to go to wadis and mountain regions to enjoy the rain,” he said. “This should be avoided. There are chances of flash floods in wadis. These happen very quickly and without any warning. Last year, we had a car that was swept away in such flash floods. Luckily, the passengers of the car were saved.”
He added that mountainous regions were also at risk to experiencing landslides and shared a personal experience. “A few years ago, I was rain chasing in Jebel Jais and the sudden increase in rain caused a landslide,” he recalled. “There was no loss of life, but the landslide blocked the road and I was one of about 200 cars stuck in the mountain for a few hours until authorities cleared the roads. It was a powerful reminder.”
Source: Khaleej Times