Dubai has seen one of the heaviest downpours on Saturday which resulted in chaos for the citizens as well as the authorities.
On Sunday, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued an orange and red alert to warn residents of the risk of hazardous weather.
Dubai Media Office reported that Dubai was hit with heavy rain, reaching 15mm/hour for two and a half hours which is very unusual for the Emirates.
.@DubaiAirports: With additional rain expected later this evening, the disruption is expected to continue for the next 24 hours. Customers are advised to check directly with their airlines for more specific flight information & allow additional time to get to the airport.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 11, 2020
This weather is likely to continue during the day as thunder continues to rumble in Dubai and Sharjah.
At 7:45am, the satellite radar showed pockets of heavy showers along the coastline stretching from the capital up to Ras Al Khaimah.
#Alert #NCM pic.twitter.com/gGToZzlweS
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@NCMS_media) January 11, 2020
Flights Status during the Weather
Flights at Dubai International Airport were delayed on Saturday because of the flooding. Dozens of flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport were delayed.
After the heavy rain in Dubai yesterday, this video was taken at the airport when we were finally on our way to take off after hours of delay.#Dubai #DXB#dubairain #dubairains pic.twitter.com/hb6VFNjWFw
— Firlefranz (@Francis37880243) January 12, 2020
“This has resulted in a number of flight delays, cancellations and diversions,” A spokesman for Dubai Airports said.
The flights will be affected further more during Sunday because of water-logging caused by heavy rainfall.
“We continue to work closely with our service partners to clear the backlog, restore full operations and minimise inconvenience to our customers.
“However, with additional rain expected the disruption will continue for the next 24 hours.
“Accordingly, customers are advised to check directly with their airlines for more specific flight information and allow additional time to get to the airport.” Spokesman added.
#Dubai airport flooding: Flights delayed or cancelled https://t.co/vTA6qRe3sG via @TheNationalUAE #dubairains #dubaiweather
— Ramola Talwar Badam (@ramolatalwar) January 11, 2020
Schools Closed In Heavy Rainfall
Due to the heavy rainfall in parts of Dubai, many schools were closed while others sent out a message to the parents advising them to consider the need to send their children to school or not. These included Jumeirah Primary School and Jumeirah College.
Crazy wind and Storms in Dubai tonight! Stay safe out there! #dubai #dubaiweather pic.twitter.com/HSNeFM9x0V
— James Phillips (@jamesphillips72) January 11, 2020
JESS Arabian Ranches, all Raffles schools, and nurseries and Emirates International School are closed. BSAK in Abu Dhabi also closed.
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) updated the news via Twitter.
We understand that different schools are in different situations all across Dubai. We know that principals are thinking about the safety of their students & staff, and we trust them to make the right decision for their schools. Stay safe everyone ❤️
— KHDA (@KHDA) January 11, 2020
Measures to Clear Up
Now as the flood continues to disrupt life, UAE starts taking measures to clear up the cities.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority had a 600-strong team working round the clock to clear up waterlogged roads ahead of the early morning commute.
. @rta_dubai has a team of more than 600 engineers, inspectors, workers and technicians working around the clock to ensure smooth traffic experience across all #Dubai roads. They are supported by 245 vehicles and machinery varied between pumps, tanks & emergency vehicles. pic.twitter.com/Ax3SBwT5Ei
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 11, 2020
Authorities Are Working Tirelessly To Clear Dubai Streets Of Debris Amid Unstable Weather#dubairains #lovindubai@DXBMediaOfficehttps://t.co/Fm2jRFv0y5 pic.twitter.com/NuAAPvIhQA
— Lovin Dubai (@lovindubai) January 12, 2020
The authorities have also updated citizens on the status of ferry operations in Dubai and Sharjah via Twitter.
