Motorists were warned to drive carefully on Monday morning as rain and thunderstorms began across the country around midnight.
"Medium to heavy rain on different areas in city of #AbuDhabi [and] highways. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously,” the Ministry of Interior posted on Twitter.
Rain, thunder and lightning in Dubai started in the early morning hours, and the National Centre of Meteorology and Siesmology warned of heavy thunderstorms in Al Ruwais. The centre also warned of scattered storms in the Northern Emirates, as well as light to moderate rain in many parts of Abu Dhabi.
Hail was reported in some parts of Abu Dhabi.
"There was hail as well in Ajban, Nahel, Sweihan and Al Rahba in the early morning. The highest rain until now has been in Jebel Al Jais and Ras Al Khaimah has received the most rain,” said a spokesperson at the centre.
"We are at the peak of the bad weather now and it is expected to last a few hours. There is chance of rain until tomorrow morning, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of the country,” he said.
"A significant fall in temperatures” and heavy winds are also forecast for the rest of Monday, with the mercury predicted to drop as low as 13°C in internal areas. Winds could also kick up sand and dust, while the sea is expected to be very rough in the Arabian Gulf.
Flooding and traffic jams were reported in some parts of Dubai, and wadis and farms in mountainous areas were flooded, the state news agency Wam reported.
"Dear Driver: Always try to reduce speed during the rain to avoid your vehicle from sliding,” Dubai Police posted on Twitter.
Source: The National