Watch: Thunderstorms lash Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah as rain gets heavier in UAE

The UAE has been experiencing showers across the country today since early in the morning.

Dark clouds hovered as rain poured across emirates. Traffic came to a crawl in Dubai and Sharjah, as motorists slowed down due to a drop in visibility.

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has issued safety guidelines for those driving in rainy weather.

Among the tips are:

>> Drive slowly and carefully

>> Do not overtake other vehicles except in ideal conditions.

>> Before driving in the rain, whether it is a short trip or not, make sure your wipers work well for a safe journey.

>> If you have to drive in the rain, always double the safety distance between you and the vehicle ahead for your safety and that of others.

In Sharjah, residents were seen using umbrellas and makeshift covers to protect themselves from the downpour.

Traffic started moving at a snail's pace amid poor visibility.

With pools of water forming on roads, sign boards across Dubai flashed an alert, warning motorists against driving at high speed.

Storm Centre has shared several videos of rainfall in several parts of the country.

Abu Dhabi also experienced heavy rain today, a video by the weather monitoring account shows. Rainwater is seen collecting and bubbles being formed as the rain lashes the emirate.

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