NCM issues flood warning as heavy rains, thunder, and lightning streaks sweep across the area.
Abu Dhabi: Heavy rains and strong winds continued to impact large parts of the UAE, as unstable weather brought thunderstorms, dust-laden winds, and reduced visibility. Authorities activated emergency measures and issued safety warnings across the country.
Residents reported flashes of lightning, booming thunder, and heavy downpours as an intense weather system swept through major cities overnight from Thursday into early Friday morning (March 27), prompting alerts.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology, unstable conditions driven by a low-pressure system have brought repeated waves of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the country.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, residents reported a full-blown light-and-sound spectacle — booming thunderclaps and electric streaks of lightning flashing overhead amid storm clouds that unleashed heavy sheets of rain across a wide area.
Authorities reassured the public that the thunder is a normal feature of the ongoing storm system, even as conditions remain volatile.
The eastern regions, particularly Fujairah, have been among the hardest hit. Rainfall has been heaviest in areas such as Taawun, where gauges recorded the largest accumulation so far during this weather episode, according to live updates.
Unstable Weather System
Meteorologists reported that the country remains under the influence of an unstable weather system, driven by an extension of a surface low-pressure system combined with an upper-air trough. This has led to the formation of convective clouds and rainfall of varying intensity.
Thunder and lightning were reported across multiple areas, while heavy rainfall flooded streets in some locations and blew debris off building facades.
Strong winds accompanying the storm also caused some trees to be felled.
On Thursday evening, heavy rain in Sharjah caused wadis to flow and temporarily disrupted traffic on roads including Mleiha–Shawka Road.
Rainfall was also recorded across Dubai and continued overnight, spreading to several other parts of the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology stated that rainfall would continue into Friday as the country remained under the influence of the weather system, with convective clouds moving across Al Dhafra and the northern emirates.
Heavy rainfall and strong winds
Weather stations recorded significant rainfall totals, including 47.9mm in Al Tawiyeen, 39.7mm in Al Marjan, 33.3mm in Khor Fakkan, 31.6mm in Khatm Al Shakla, and 28.3mm at Khor Fakkan Port, highlighting the intensity of the system.
Wind speeds reached up to 60 kph at times, creating rough sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
Road speed reductions activated
In response to the adverse conditions, Abu Dhabi Police implemented speed reduction measures on several major roads, lowering limits to 60 kph on routes including Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road, among others.
Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities: NCEMA
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority urged the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and stay clear of billboards, unstable trees, and loose objects during periods of strong winds.
Authorities also advised motorists to avoid driving in heavy rainfall unless necessary, prepare emergency kits, steer clear of flooded roads, and secure outdoor property against strong winds and hail.
The Ministry of Interior further highlighted three violations related to unsafe behavior during rainy weather:
- Gathering near valleys, dams, and flood-prone areas.
- Entering flowing wadis regardless of risk levels.
- Obstructing emergency or traffic authorities during adverse weather conditions.
Fines for these violations range from Dh1,000 to Dh2,000, along with traffic points and possible vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days, depending on the offence.
Rapid Response
Emergency teams across the country have heightened readiness, with field units deployed to monitor water accumulation and maintain traffic flow.
Authorities confirmed that rapid response plans were activated to manage incidents and ensure public safety.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence also issued safety guidance, advising residents to limit movement unless necessary, disconnect non-essential electrical devices, secure windows, and move to higher floors if water enters homes. Motorists whose vehicles become trapped in floodwaters were urged to move to higher ground and seek assistance.
The Integrated Transport Centre said it is monitoring traffic around the clock through its traffic management centre and has increased the deployment of road service patrols to respond promptly to accidents or breakdowns.
Separately, the Ministry of Health and Prevention issued public health guidance to prevent mosquito breeding following heavy rainfall and water accumulation. The ministry advised avoiding stagnant water, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and installing window screens, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.
The National Centre of Meteorology said weather conditions are expected to gradually improve from Saturday, with partly cloudy skies and a further drop in temperatures, although winds may remain active at times.
By Sunday and Monday, conditions are expected to stabilise further, with generally fair to partly cloudy weather and improving sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf, though some rough conditions may persist in the Sea of Oman.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious, especially while driving in low-visibility conditions, to avoid flood-prone areas, and to follow official safety guidance to protect public safety.
NCEMA Clarification
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority issued a clarification on the current weather situation: “We emphasize that in the event of any threat, warnings and instructions will be issued immediately through the National Early Warning System to ensure everyone’s safety.”
