While some devised makeshift rain defences, others who were travelling set out extra early to the airport to catch their flights
UAE residents had an uneasy sleep as strong winds and torrential rain battered most parts of the country between 2am and 4am on Thursday.
The National Center of Meteorology earlier said the weather scenario was not anticipated to be as severe as encountered on April 16.
The country will witness moderate to heavy rainfall over scattered areas, occasionally accompanied by lightning and thunder, with a probability of hail, it said.
The National Emergency and Disaster Management Agency said on Monday it was preparing for unstable weather conditions.
Mark Angeles, who lives in southern Dubai, was the first to check his car parked in front of his apartment building at dawn.
“It was really windy. My family and I woke up to the sound of wind and rain hitting the windows. There was also lightning and thunder. Fortunately, it only rained for a few hours and it was dry when I checked the parking lot,” he told Khaleej Times.
A security guard working the night shift in the same building said, “The wind was howling, but the bad weather wasn’t as strong as last month.”
Some trees, trash cans, and signs. However, no flooding was recorded as of 6:30 a.m. Thursday.
James Arriola, a Filipino expatriate who was on a flight to Bahrain at 11 a.m., decided to leave for the airport at 6 a.m. He read on the news that he had to give himself some time by the time he got to the airport. There are no road closures so far, but I didn’t want to leave things to chance, so I decided to leave home early.”
Meanwhile, some stores have covered their doors with plastic sheets or tape and installed improvised rain shutters. Some people placed small sandbags in front of their doors.
The government had previously issued a warning for “moderate to heavy rain” on Thursday and Friday. Officials also announced telecommuting for government employees and advised private sector employers to offer remote options.
A thunderstorm woke me up
Azija Amanda, a resident of Mudon, woke up at 3am to a thunderstorm and lightning. “As soon as she woke up, I ran downstairs and spread towels around the front door,” she said.
“During the last storm, water poured into my house. I didn’t want this to happen again.”
Mudon was in Dubai during the April 16 rains and subsequent flooding. It was one of the areas most affected. Many residents had to use kayaks to evacuate and rescue neighbors. This time, authorities have taken several steps to ensure the protection of the community, Azija said.
“The E611 tunnel has been closed since Wednesday evening,” she said. “I think it was a precautionary measure as it was completely flooded last time. Layers of sandbags were also placed around the settlement. I’m glad the authorities have taken such measures this time. residents from across the country shared their experiences on social media.” Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds were reported across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
“The most violent and frightening winds were blowing on Wednesday evening,” said Saadiyya Ahmed, a resident of Al Majaz 1 in Sharjah.
“Our neighbour’s garden furniture literally flew away. This wind continued for quite some time followed by rain.”