UAE Closes All Roads to Valleys and Mountains Due to Heavy Rain

This weekend, all routes leading to valleys and mountains in the UAE will be shut down due to anticipated severe weather conditions. The roads will stay closed until the bad weather subsides. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail are expected to hit the country from Friday evening until Sunday noon, causing floods in some places. Strong winds may also lead to poor visibility on the roads, with the worst weather expected from Friday midnight to Saturday midnight.

The unfavorable weather will start in the Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions before moving to Abu Dhabi and its surroundings. Then, Dubai will experience unstable weather conditions before Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah face the brunt of the weather. By Sunday evening, the weather’s intensity is forecasted to ease up.

Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. Motorists are urged to park their vehicles in safe areas, away from mountains, valleys, and bodies of water. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) have warned about the possibility of hailstorms and advised residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their belongings, and their cars from ice.

Authorities have cautioned that fines and penalties will be imposed on residents who endanger themselves or others. There are fines of up to Dh1,000 for gathering near valleys, flooded areas, and dams during rainy weather. Entering a flooded valley, regardless of its danger level, can result in a Dh2,000 fine, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle confiscation.

During a press briefing, NCEMA stressed the importance of complying with instructions from authorities, threatening legal action against non-compliers. Disaster management teams in each emirate will decide whether to implement remote learning in schools and cancel outdoor events this weekend.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had previously predicted rains, thunderstorms, and hail on Friday and Saturday, with a chance of rain on Sunday, mainly in the east and north. Rainfall is expected to decrease gradually by Sunday evening, with no rain forecasted for Monday, except for morning fog.

The Ministry of Interior assured that the country’s police, rescue teams, paramedics, and civil defense are fully prepared to handle any emergencies. Last month, heavy rains and hail prompted schools and offices to switch to online operations as residents stayed indoors. In Al Ain, residents faced challenges dealing with damaged cars and property caused by the adverse weather.

Follow INCPAK on | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | for updates.