Stormy weather hits Dubai: Major traffic jams across emirate

Latest update: Parts of the UAE awoke this morning to lightning streaking across the sky, with a steady drizzle reported in certain areas, while heavy wind kicked up dust and sand.

Al Mankhool. Credit: Dev Kumar

Courtesy: Loy Pinheiro

Key agencies – RTA, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police –immediately put out alerts for motorists to drive slowly in view of reduced visibility, with patches of fog reported in the western region.

Courtesy: Anand Murg

At least two major accidents were reported by 7am on Sheikh Zayed Road, bring Dubai’s main artery to a standstill.

The first was an accident near Oasis Centre heading towards Jebel Ali.

Courtesy: Ashraf Muhammed

A Toyota reportedly crashed into the central barrier and police were already on the scene.

However, traffic was already heavily backed-up heading towards Abu Dhabi.

Following that was reportedly another four-car pile-up, near Interchange 2, with an eye witness telling Emirates 24|7: “It appears to be a four-car accident, nothing serious. However, traffic is at a complete standstill near Safa Park.”

Abu Dhabi police issued a warning on its Twitter account at 8am that stated: “Heavy rains in Abu Dhabi City and State roads. And almost non-existent vision. We ask drivers to take caution."

Meanwhile, reports are also coming in of heavy congestion on Sharjah’s Ring Road. However, Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail are open to traffic.

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