A powerful storm system swept across the United Arab Emirates overnight, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and nearly continuous lightning that lit up the night sky for hours, residents and authorities reported.
The storm affected several emirates including Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, with Fujairah recording 47.9 mm of rainfall and flooding reported on parts of Emirates Road due to overflowing wadis.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a flash flood alert as the weather system moved across the country, prompting authorities to advise motorists to take alternative routes and avoid unnecessary travel.
Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior issued public safety messages, including in Urdu, urging residents to maintain safe distances on roads and stay away from water-logged areas to prevent accidents.
Dubai Airports warned passengers to allow extra time for journeys to DXB and DWC as adverse weather conditions could cause delays.
Officials said the unstable weather, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and occasional hail — was expected to continue through Friday before gradually easing over the weekend, with clearer skies and cooler temperatures forecast.