UAE: Heavy rain, hail this weekend. Residents stay home; road closures, fines in effect
Unstable weather forecast from March 8 to noon on March 10
This weekend in the UAE brings the anticipation of severe weather conditions, leading to the closure of roads to valleys and mountains. From Friday, March 8, until noon on Sunday, March 10, the region expects unstable weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail, potentially causing floods in certain areas. Strong winds may reduce visibility on roads, particularly between Friday midnight and Saturday midnight.
Commencing in the Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions, the adverse weather is expected to gradually extend to encompass Abu Dhabi, its suburbs, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. The intensity of these weather phenomena is projected to decrease by Sunday evening.
Residents are strongly advised to stay home, venturing out only for extreme necessities. Motorists should park vehicles in safe areas, away from mountains, valleys, and water bodies. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) highlights the risk of hailstorms, urging residents to take safety precautions for themselves, their property, and vehicles.
Those who put themselves or others in danger during these conditions may face fines and penalties, with fines of up to Dh1,000 specified for gatherings near valleys, flooded areas, and dams during rainy weather. Additionally, entering a flooded valley could result in a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle confiscation.
NCEMA emphasizes the need for compliance with authorities’ instructions, warning of legal action for non-compliance. Obstructing authorities regulating traffic, ambulances, and rescue vehicles during emergencies, disasters, crises, and rains incurs a Dh1,000 fine and a 60-day vehicle confiscation.
Each Emirate’s disaster and crisis management teams will decide on remote learning at schools and whether to cancel outdoor events this weekend. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) predicts rains, thunderstorms, and hail on Friday and Saturday, with a chance of rains on Sunday, especially in the east and north regions. The forecast indicates a gradual decrease in rains by Sunday evening, and Monday is expected to be free from rain, with only morning fog predicted.
The Ministry of Interior reassures the public that the country’s police, rescue officials, paramedics, and civil defense are fully prepared to handle any emergencies. Reflecting on the previous month’s heavy rains and hail, which led to online schooling and remote work, the ministry underscores the potential for flooding on several roads and notes the residents’ efforts in coping with damaged cars and properties in Al Ain.
