The unstable weather is forecasted to continue from Friday, March 8, until noon on Sunday, March 10.
During this weekend, all roads to valleys and mountains in the UAE will be shut due to anticipated severe weather conditions. These closures will remain in effect as long as the adverse weather persists. Beginning Friday evening, March 8, until noon on Sunday, March 10, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail are expected to hit the country, causing floods in certain areas. Strong winds may also reduce visibility on the roads, with the most intense weather forecasted from midnight on Friday until midnight on Saturday.
The adverse weather is set to begin in the Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions, and then move towards Abu Dhabi and its surrounding areas. Following this, unstable weather conditions will affect Dubai before reaching Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. By Sunday evening, the severity of the weather is expected to diminish.
Authorities are advising residents to stay indoors and only venture out if absolutely necessary due to the severe weather conditions expected. They have also recommended that motorists park their vehicles in safe areas, away from mountains, valleys, and water bodies.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has issued warnings regarding hailstorms, advising residents to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves, their property, and their vehicles from ice.
Officials have emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and have cautioned that fines and penalties will be imposed on those who endanger themselves or others.
According to existing regulations, fines of up to Dh1,000 may be imposed for gathering near valleys, flooded areas, and dams during rainy weather. Additionally, entering a flooded valley, regardless of the level of danger, could result in a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points on the driver's license, and a 60-day vehicle confiscation.
During a press briefing, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) emphasized the importance of residents adhering to instructions issued by the authorities. They cautioned that legal action will be taken against individuals who fail to comply.
In the UAE, obstructing authorities from regulating traffic, ambulances, and rescue vehicles during emergencies, disasters, crises, and rainy conditions, as well as in flooded valleys, can result in a Dh1,000 fine and a 60-day vehicle confiscation.
Disaster and crisis management teams in each emirate will determine whether to implement remote learning at schools. Additionally, each emirate will decide whether to cancel outdoor and other events scheduled for this weekend.
News Source: Khaleej Times
