Major floods have impacted Dubai, resulting in waterlogged streets. Dubai police cautioned residents on Thursday to stay indoors due to severe weather conditions.
The UAE is currently experiencing its most significant rainfall in 76 years. Rainfall is expected to persist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on Friday.
In a statement, the police emphasized the importance of safety, advising the public to be vigilant due to anticipated unstable weather conditions. They urged people to avoid unnecessary outings until midday on Friday.
Dubai Police has been active online, emphasizing the importance of safety and offering assistance if needed. They provided contact information for emergencies and non-emergency situations.
The General Command of Sharjah Police also urged caution at work sites given the ongoing adverse weather conditions.
To ensure public safety, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality announced the temporary closure of parks and beaches under its jurisdiction. Residents and visitors were advised to steer clear of these areas until weather conditions improve.
Despite warnings, vehicles have been navigating through the challenging weather conditions, leading to instances of cars stuck in flooded streets in Dubai.
Private schools were cautioned against organizing outdoor activities by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai. Flexibility in working arrangements was encouraged to safeguard students’ well-being.
Abu Dhabi Police advised drivers to be cautious as speed limits were adjusted, with a speed reduction system implemented on the Al Ain–Dubai road for enhanced safety.
An orange alert was issued due to the extent of waterlogging on roads, making assessment difficult. The Ministry of Interior urged residents to exercise extreme caution and limit outdoor activities.
Flights on Thursday night and Friday morning experienced delays and cancellations, including Emirates flights to London Gatwick, Heathrow, and Frankfurt, as well as FlyDubai services to Warsaw and Bahrain, as reported by The Express.