Heavy rain hit parts of eastern UAE on Sunday afternoon, creating stunning waterfalls in the mountains of Masafi, Fujairah. The downpour was reported as intense and cold, with several wadis receiving especially heavy rainfall.
Authorities have issued multiple safety advisories for residents in flood-prone areas and motorists navigating rain-affected roads.
Advisory for motorists
Following the downpour, officials urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and avoid streets with accumulated water to prevent accidents and ensure safe travel in hazardous conditions.
Scenic but risky conditions
Videos shared by Storm_centre show water cascading down rocky slopes, forming streams along the roads, while residents enjoyed the stunning scenery.
In Masafi, heavy rainfall also caused rocks and debris to fall onto mountain roads.
Vehicles were seen carefully navigating around large boulders, with waterfalls and overflowing streams adding to the scenic yet dangerous environment.
Safety alerts
The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) warned residents in low-lying and hilly areas to stay alert due to the risk of flash floods and landslides. Motorists were advised to drive cautiously and reduce speed in affected regions.
Wind and visibility concerns
Light to moderate winds reaching up to 40 km/h are expected to stir dust and sand in exposed areas, potentially reducing visibility. The sea is forecasted to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
Cooler temperatures ahead
Sunday’s rain brought a welcome cool-down across the Emirates, with temperatures dropping into the mid-30s Celsius. Ras Al Khaimah’s Jais Mountain recorded the lowest temperature in the country at 17.7°C early Sunday morning.
Looking ahead
Fair to partly cloudy skies are expected throughout the week, with convective clouds likely forming in the afternoons over eastern and southern areas. Humid nights and early mornings may bring fog or mist, prompting motorists to remain vigilant during early commutes.
UAE rain driving guide: Fines every motorist must know
Residents are urged to stay clear of wadis and low-lying areas, as heavy rains raise the risk of flash floods and overflowing water channels.
Authorities have issued safety advisories for those living in flood-prone zones and for motorists navigating rain-affected roads, highlighting key fines and precautions to ensure safety. Read the full guide
- Using mobile phone while driving
- Fine: Dh800 + 4 black points
- Includes taking or publishing photos while driving
- Taking accident/victim photos: up to Dh500,000 or 6 months jail
Gathering near valleys, floods, or dams during rain
- Fine: Dh1,000 + 6 black points
Police and NCEMA advise avoiding flooded areas and dams
Entering flooded valleys regardless of danger
- Fine: Dh2,000 + 23 black points + 60-day vehicle impoundment
Obstructing authorities during emergencies
- Fine: Dh1,000 + 4 black points + 60-day vehicle impoundment
Includes blocking traffic, ambulances, or rescue operations
Not following changed speed limits during rain
- Driving 20 km/h over: Dh300 fine
Driving 80+ km/h over: Dh3,000 + 23 black points + 60-day impoundment
Driving with hazard lights on while moving
- Fine: Dh500 + 4 black points
Hazard lights should only be used when stationary or in breakdown
Changing lanes without using indicators
- Fine: Dh400
Especially dangerous in poor visibility or wet conditions
These measures aim to keep motorists and residents safe during heavy rains, floods, and hazardous weather conditions.
