Rain and Hail Across Eastern UAE: Abu Dhabi Police Urge Caution as NCM Issues Alerts
Heavy rain and hail have swept across parts of the United Arab Emirates, with authorities urging residents and motorists to exercise caution. Showers began falling on Tuesday afternoon, and the Storm Centre released footage of rain pouring over the area of Fili in Sharjah, which lies in the central region of the emirate near the mountains. Forecasts indicate more rain is expected over the eastern parts of the country through the evening, and residents are advised to remain alert.
Hail Reported on Roads to Fujairah
Parts of the eastern UAE also experienced hail. Storm Centre shared video showing large hailstones pelting Kadra Road and Sheikh Khalifa Street, the route leading to Fujairah. Motorists using roads towards the east coast are advised to drive slowly, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and pull over safely if visibility drops or hail becomes heavy.
Police and Weather Alerts Issued
Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to drive carefully as rain hit parts of the country on Tuesday. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued a yellow alert for convective cloud formation across several areas. In a post on X, the police asked drivers to take extra care in wet conditions and to follow the variable speed limits displayed on electronic information boards along the roads.
The NCM alert is in effect from 2pm to 9pm on Tuesday, October 13. According to the weather map shared by the centre, the alert covers a stretch of the east of the country, running from the Al Ain area north through the mountainous region towards Fujairah and the east coast, as well as an inland area in the Al Dhafra region of western Abu Dhabi.
Convective clouds can bring sudden showers, sometimes heavy, along with lightning, strong gusts, and reduced visibility. Conditions can change quickly, particularly in mountainous and inland areas.
The National Center of Meteorology has also issued a flash flood alert for some mountain areas, in effect from 2:30pm to 9pm on Tuesday. The NCM urged residents to take caution during rainfall and stay away from areas prone to flash flooding, including wadis and valleys where water can rise quickly and without warning.
Safety Advice for Motorists and Residents
Motorists are advised to slow down, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and switch on headlights when visibility drops. Residents are also advised to follow official updates from the NCM and police for the latest information.
