UAE, Oman issue alerts for heavy rain and thunderstorms

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The UAE authorities have issued a warning to residents, urging them to stay indoors this weekend unless absolutely necessary, as severe weather including rain and thunderstorms, is forecasted for the upcoming weekend.

Residents are advised to keep children indoors and avoid outdoor activities. Specific caution is advised around rivers, valleys, dams, the sea, and flood-prone areas.

نهيب بالجمهور الكريم ضرورة الالتزام والتقيد بجميع الإرشادات والتعليمات الصادرة من الجهات المعنية والتصرف بحذر خلال حالة عدم الاستقرار الجوي وعدم الخروج من المنزل الا للضرورة.

We urge the public to comply with the instructions and guidance issued by the official authorities, and… pic.twitter.com/6N0x4MLfHN

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 8, 2024

Authorities emphasised the importance of avoiding billboards, falling trees, and flying objects, and ensuring all openings like windows and doors are properly closed.

Motorists are urged to secure belongings and park cars in elevated, secure areas to minimise damage from anticipated hailstorms. Additionally, caution is advised while driving due to expected poor visibility, water pooling, and high winds.

#أمطار #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد#Rain #NCM pic.twitter.com/IljTieqNb1

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 8, 2024

Col Hamad Abdullah Al Neyadi, director of the Capital Police Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, assured round-the-clock assistance to residents to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow across the emirate.

The announcement came as parts of Abu Dhabi witnessed intermittent rain showers. Wet weather was reported in Al Reef, Al Raha and Al Reem Island.

Al Ain tunnels to be shut

In a recent announcement, authorities have declared the closure of all tunnels within Al Ain City on Friday night.

The Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi has cautioned motorists about the closure of certain underpasses on external roads as a precautionary measure.

This decision aligns with forecasts predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and hail in the upcoming days.

Effective from 10 pm on Friday, the closure includes all tunnels and select underpasses, as stated by the ITC.

تنويه هام :
ابتداءا من يوم الجمعة الساعه 10 مساءً
سيتم اغلاق جميع انفاق المركبات داخل مدينة العين وبعض الممرات السفلية
في الطرق الخارجية تحسبا لتجمع مياه السيول وتأثيرها على السلامة المرورية ،
سلامتكم تهمنا pic.twitter.com/PswPgMJnKa

— “ITC” مركز النقل المتكامل (@ITCAbuDhabi) March 8, 2024

UAE’s NCM issues rain alert

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) , in its weekly bulletin, has issued a warning about “unstable weather conditions” on Friday and Saturday, accompanied by “rainfall of different intensities.”

#أمطار #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد#Rain #NCM pic.twitter.com/IljTieqNb1

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) March 8, 2024

Weather Alert for Oman: March 8-10, 2024

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has activated the cellular early warning system for weather alerts across Oman from Friday, March 8, 2024, to Sunday, March 10.

According to the CAA’s weather update:

• Expect varying intensity rain throughout Friday, with increased intensity on Saturday in several governorates including Musandam, Al-Buraimi, and Muscat.
• Rainfall is forecasted to continue with varying intensity on Sunday.
• Heavy to very heavy rain (30-150 mm) may lead to torrential runoff in valleys (wadis).
• Strong winds (15-50 knots) may cause unstable materials to fly, and heavy hailstones could damage property and vehicles.
• Sea waves are expected to rise to rough waves (2-4 meters) along most coasts.

The CAA advises everyone to exercise caution, especially while crossing valleys, and to stay updated on weather alerts.