Orange alert issued as heavy rain pounds UAE

An orange alert was issued on Thursday (May 2) as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

While many residents didn’t have to leave home for work today, some woke up early in the morning as downpours and strong winds struck their neighbourhoods. In the north, waterfalls gushed out as dark rain clouds hovered over the mountains.

Over the past few days, the UAE has been preparing for this wave of unstable weather, which is forecast to peak today, May 2, until tomorrow, May 3. Safety advisories have been issued across sectors. Schools are on distance learning, while companies are urged to let employees work from home. Parks and beaches have been closed. Airports and airlines are bracing for the impact, too.

Heavy rains have been pounding the country since midnight, with Dubai seeing showers and lightning as early as 2.35am, according to alerts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

While these rains are expected to be less severe than the unprecedented downpour that hit the country earlier this month, the public is urged to take precautions.

(With inputs from agencies)