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Severe storm, heavy rain lash emirates

DUBAI - Most areas of the country, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah,

Were hit last night by a severe storm and heavy downpour, with winds in some places exceeding 71 knots per hour. The rain was accompanied by thunder.

The turbulent weather reduced visibility to a few metres in places, disrupting vehicular traffic and at some places causing accidents. The strong winds - severest to hit the country in about 20 years - uprooted trees in several areas and caused heavy damage to advertisement hoardings and other outdoor structures.

According to the Dubai Meteorological Office, a line of thunderstorm had built up from the southern coast of Iran all the way to Abu Dhabi, moving into the UAE from the west. Reports received by midnight suggested that Ras Al Khaimah was the last of the emirates to be hit by the turbulent weather, and recorded a rainfall of 21.3mm and gusts reaching up to almost 59 knots. Dubai registered a rainfall of 9mm.

The meteorological offices issue airfield and marine warnings, although airports of Dubai and Sharjah reported no flight cancellation or diversion. However, eight flights which were scheduled to land at the Dubai International Airport between 9 pm and 10 pm were delayed. According to a source at the Sharjah International Airport, an Indian Airlines flight scheduled to arrive at 10.15pm was also delayed.

The weathermen reported that within minutes after the storm started, the maximum temperature dipped from 33 degrees C to 20 degrees C and humidity increased to 100 per cent from 45 per cent before the rainstorm.

Sharjah, parts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and several other parts of the country were experiencing moderate to heavy rain when last reports came in. An unsettled weather is forecast for today with partly cloudy skies and a possibility of thunderstorm in many parts of the country. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 34 degree C.