Rain lashes Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman: Major water-logging on roads

Latest update: Two major accidents have been reported from Abu Dhabi, with eye witness accounts warning of water logging en route to the international airport. Ahmed Bilal, who is on the roads, admitted to being forced to stop his car for a while, as visibility was almost nonexistent during his morning drive in the capital today. He stated: “There is a six-car traffic accident and one car disabled in middle of highway, before Shahama. Also, water accumulated just before the Abu Dhabi airport exit where a four-car accident has also occurred.” When asked, he stated further: “Visibility outside Abu Dhabi city is bad. Dark and Stormy. Water accumulated everywhere, even near the Dubai-AUH border. Inside the city, it is just cloudy and drizzling. “Meanwhile, traffic is bumper to bumper after Sheikh Zayed Bridge.” Abu Dhabi Police confirmed this on its official Twitter account, stating at 9.15am: “Traffic congestion and delays on Abu Dhabi international Airport Road towards Bridges Compounds to Sheikh Zayed Bridge, inbound Abu Dhabi.” There are reports also coming in that a traffic light before Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has also shutdown, adding to the chaos. As the storm front made landfall in the UAE this morning, residents woke up in the early hours to a lightening display, as Abu Dhabi became the first to bear the brunt of the rains that will continue for the next 36 hours, as per the UAE Met department. The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology reported that the capital was the first of the seven emirates to bear the brunt of the storm this morning, with heavy rains reported in the city and parts of Madinat Zayed. The surrounding islands in Abu Dhabi have also faced the wrath of the storm. Meanwhile, NCMS reports that the current rain conditions in Sharjah are medium in comparison. 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.” Ajman Police weren’t far behind, warning of slippery roads and ensuring the car wipers were functioning as people took to the roads for the morning work commute. NCMS has already warned that this unstable weather will take us into Friday, with the skies clearing by Saturday afternoon. Hail storms could also be expected in parts. Emirates 24/7