The UAE’s National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has warned residents to take extra precautions as “severe weather” – including thunderstorms and heavy rain – is forecast across the country this weekend.
In a special broadcast on Thursday, the UAE body said the country will experience severe weather conditions from Friday evening until noon on Sunday, bringing heavy rainfall, lightning, thunder, and occasional hailstorms.
Motorists were warned about the impact on roads water pooling and gusty winds. A decrease in temperature is also expected.
“We emphasize the importance of staying away from water accumulation areas, flooded areas, and regions expected to be affected by the weather conditions,” the authority said.
“We urge avoidance of gatherings that may affect the work of relevant authorities, with attention to the fact that non-compliance with official instructions and directives will carry legal action.”
NCEMA also emphasized “the importance of staying at home and only leaving in cases of extreme necessity, parking vehicles in distant, safe, and elevated locations away from areas prone to flooding, streams, and water accumulation.”
The body also warned residents to take preventive measures for hailstorms to minimize the impact on properties.
It also asked residents to only follow official news channels for information regarding the weather.
“We urge all members of the community in such weather conditions not to follow any rumors circulated about the weather and to gather all information from official sources.”
The warning follows a spell of unusually wet weather and cooler temperatures across the UAE.
Last month, unstable weather conditions in Dubai prompted authorities to make provisions for mandatory remote working days for employees in the emirate. While Dubai Police issued a public safety warning due to heavy rain, thunder, and lightning across the UAE.
