Khaberni - Yesterday, various areas of the United Arab Emirates experienced rain of varying intensities, especially in the northern and eastern regions, extending to some inland and western areas, along with the fall of small hailstones in limited areas. Meanwhile, government authorities from the police, emergency services, and meteorology recently issued five important warnings to individuals and drivers during the unstable weather conditions currently affecting the country, which will continue until mid this week. These conditions, characterized by varying intensities of rainfall and the formation of cumulus clouds accompanied by active winds, may lead to the blowing of lightweight objects and a reduction in horizontal visibility.
The warnings include not approaching water stream areas and water accumulations, not driving vehicles at high speeds, being cautious of reduced visibility levels, being aware of the risk of strong downward winds, and avoiding open and elevated places during lightning and thunder.
They emphasized the danger of neglecting safety procedures while driving in rainy weather, in addition to fines for vehicle drivers which can reach up to 2000 AED for entering streams during their flow.
In detail, the National Center for Meteorology mentioned that the country is currently affected by the extension of a surface low-pressure area from the south, and an upper atmospheric low-pressure area accompanied by a relatively cold and humid air mass.
The center also called for caution and vigilance during heavy rainfalls and strong downward winds from cumulus clouds over some eastern areas, which may lead to the flying of solid objects and reduced horizontal visibility. It also advised people to avoid areas of stream flows, landslides, and water accumulations.
Moreover, it advised avoiding open or elevated areas during occurrences of lightning and thunder, watching out for gusts from downward winds which may lead to the flying of solid objects and occasionally reducing visibility, and taking caution and vigilance while driving in the rain, and staying clear of stream flow areas.
On its part, the Abu Dhabi Media Office called for cautious driving, adherence to modified speed limits, staying away from stream paths and floods, and ensuring the availability of first-aid kits and backup lighting means.
It noted that various intensities of rain are expected in scattered and limited areas in Al Ain and Al Dhafra, which may be heavy at times in some areas accompanied by active to strong winds with cloud formations and possibly the fall of small hailstones.
For Abu Dhabi, light to moderate rainfall is expected in scattered and limited areas, possibly extending to the inland areas, accompanied by moderate to active winds with clouds.
The National Authority for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management confirmed that it is following the updates on the expected weather conditions over the coming days in coordination with the National Center for Meteorology, Ministry of Interior, and several partners, which indicate that the country will be affected by unstable weather conditions until mid-week.
The authority informed that the concerned entities are fully ready and prepared to deal with any developments, with precise monitoring of weather updates continuously, and ongoing coordination between federal and local entities.
The authority also invited community members to follow bulletins and warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology through official channels, stay away from water accumulation areas during rainfall, and take caution and care for public safety.
Furthermore, police leadership urged drivers to adhere to safe driving on internal and external roads during rainfall and weather fluctuations, stay away from stream flow and water accumulation areas, and follow the guidance and instructions of relevant authorities to ensure everyone's safety.
It encouraged road users to check the weather conditions before using vehicles, reduce speeds on roads, and maintain a sufficient safety distance between vehicles.
According to Ministerial Decision No. 227 of 2023 regarding traffic control rules and procedures, the penalty for assembling near streams, floods, and dams during rainy weather is 1000 AED and six traffic points, entering stream paths during their flow regardless of danger level entails a fine of 2000 AED and 23 traffic points and vehicle confiscation for 60 days, and obstructing the competent authorities in carrying out their duties regarding traffic and movement regulation or emergency and rescue during emergencies and crisis and rainfalls entails a fine of 1000 AED, four traffic points, and vehicle confiscation for 60 days.
