NCM warns of rain on March 31 and April 1; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah police urge motorists to reduce speed, avoid beaches and valleys, and maintain safe distances.
DUBAI/ABU DHABI/SHARJAH — UAE residents pulled out their umbrellas and raincoats once again on Tuesday morning as a fresh wave of rains swept across parts of the country, triggering safety alerts from police and weather authorities.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had earlier forecast two days of wet weather this week — March 31 and April 1. The department issued an alert effective from 7:20 am on March 31 until 12:20 am on April 1.
While rainfall is expected to be significant at times, authorities confirmed that the intensity will not match the heavy downpour residents experienced last week.
Warnings for motorists
Police departments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah have issued urgent warnings to motorists navigating reduced visibility and slick road conditions.
Dubai Police released the following safety tips:
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
- Ensure tires, windshield wipers, and vehicle lighting are in proper condition
- Reduce speed and drive calmly on wet roads
- Avoid sudden braking and exercise extra caution when approaching curves
- Stay away from valleys, flood channels, and areas with water accumulation
- Avoid going to the sea and beaches
Police also advised residents to stay alert and anticipate potential mistakes by other motorists.
Abu Dhabi Police urged drivers to pay close attention to changing speed limits displayed on electronic signboards across the emirate.
Residents have been asked to avoid low-lying areas and valleys where flash flooding can occur rapidly during periods of heavy rain.
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