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Sandstorm Whips UAE

ABU DHABI/ DUBAI/ SHARJAH — A strong sandstorm swept the emirates on Thursday bringing down temperature and visibility, and depositing sand on roads, balconies and
rooftops of buildings.

No flight disruption, diversion or even delay was reported in Dubai and Sharjah airports.

The Met Department predicted unstable weather today with low visibility in the morning and rough sea conditions due to strong winds.

Low clouds blanketing the northern and eastern areas of the country may worsen the weather condition
during the day.

Residents have also been warned against venturing out without taking precautions during the sandstorm, which can aggravate asthma, eye infections and sinusitis.

The wind speed on Thursday reached 75km per hour turning the sea very rough. The wave height reached 17 feet, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology said.

The centre again requested motorists to slow down and urged beachgoers not to venture out to the sea.

The sea condition will start improving tomorrow, but before going to the sea or desert, people shouldapproach the Met Department for the latest weather updates, the centre urged.

Yesterday’s sandstorm brought down visibility to 100 metres in Abu Dhabi’s Al Hamra region, 600 metres in the capitaland 500 metres in Al Buteen. Visibility dropped to 1,300 metres in Dubai, 700 metres in Ras Al Khaimah and 1,500 metres in Al Ain.

The strong wind brought the temperature down to 22 degree Celsius in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, 23 degree Celsius in Al Ain and Sharjah, 24 degree Celsius in Ras Al Khaimah and 26 degree Celsius in Fujairah, the centre said.

The duty officer at the Operations Room of the Dubai Police said around 40 minor accidents were reported till 3pm in the emirate and three people suffered minor injuries.

Colonel Hamad Adeel Al Shamsi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate in Abu Dhabi, said notraffic accidents were reported in the capital.

Major Yaslam Al Tamimi, Director of Serious Accidents Section with the capital’s police, said motorists displayed rare commitment to traffic rules on the highways.

news@khaleejtimes.com