Unusual weather conditions grip UAE, Oman, and Bahrain

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faced unusual and severe weather conditions, forcing authorities to issue a stay-at-home advisory.

Torrential rains and high winds battered parts of the Gulf, with the death toll from storms in Oman alone reaching 18, including many children. Dubai experienced flight cancellations, and schools across the UAE and Bahrain were closed.

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The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) advised residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. The authority also urged motorists to park in safe, elevated areas away from flood-prone zones.

The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology urged residents to take precautions and avoid flooded areas.

Meanwhile, Dubai’s typically clear skies darkened as a second storm front arrived. Schools shifted to online learning, and the weather bureau warned of further instability with two waves of intense weather predicted.

This marks the second stay-home advisory in two months, following a similar directive in March due to unstable weather.

In neighboring Oman, heavy rains and flash floods claimed at least 18 lives, including nine schoolchildren. Rescue efforts are underway to locate two missing individuals.

In Dubai, heavy rains led to massive flooding, disrupting flights at Dubai International Airport and causing road closures and power outages. Tanker trucks were deployed to pump away excess water, with adverse weather expected to continue into Wednesday morning.

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Bahrain also faced heavy rain and flooding after thunder and lightning overnight.

The storms originated in Oman, where they caused deadly floods before descending on the UAE, Bahrain, and areas of Qatar.