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Dings, dents and drizzle all over UAE

Light to moderate rain fell over the country causing traffic chaos, with more than 80 car accidents recorded in the emirate of Sharjah.

Jebel Al Jais and Shoukah in Ras Al Khaimah had the highest amount of rainfall with 8.4 millimetres and 4.4 respectively, followed by Al Ejeili which registered 4mm, the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said.

Most of the airports in the country also saw a decent amount of rainfall, with 2mm recorded at Dubai Airport, 1.6 at Sharjah Airport and 0.9 at Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah airports.

Temperatures ranged from the mid-teens to the high-20s across the country, with high winds blowing sand dust over some areas.

Among Saturday’s accidents was one horrific crash, in which two Asians received serious injuries.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Sharjah Police head of traffic and patrols Lt. Col. Ahmed bin Darweesh said that the rains caused an accident when one driver lost control, hit a cement barrier and rolled in his car several times. The incident, which happened in the morning and was caused by speeding along slippery roads, occurred on Al Dhaid-Sharjah street, between the fifth and sixth intersections.

Patrols who were already deployed on the road called ambulance services, which rushed the injured to hospital.

The rain also caused the traffic to grind to a halt on the streets of Sharjah, causing traffic jams, Lt. Col. Darweesh said.

There were more than 80 minor accidents, mainly caused by the rain and a mixture of speeding and failing to maintain safe distances between vehicles.

Patrols were deployed at all main streets, including Al Arooba, which witnessed severe congestion where patrols needed to step in to direct traffic and smooth traffic movement.

Lt. Col. Darweesh urged motorists to drive with caution during overcast and wet weather in order to avoid traffic accidents that could lead to the loss of life or serious damage.

The NCMS is forecasting Sunday’s weather to be hazy and partly cloudy in general, especially over the northern and the eastern areas with a renewed chance of rain, especially during the morning. It is predicting another cool, windy day in most areas, with seas rough and dust clouds a potential.

Weather over the following days will continue to be cloudy with strong northwesterly winds and rough seas.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com