Motorists urged to drive with caution after heavy rain leaves waterlogged roads

Traffic jams across Dubai

Motorists were caught in traffic jams on key roads in Dubai, including Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Ras Al Khor Road, Meydan Road and Financial Centre Road on Sunday afternoon. Slow moving traffic was also reported on Al Wasl Road.

12,537 emergency calls made during rainfall

Dubai Police recorded 581 traffic accidents in the last 24 hours due to unstable weather, officials said on Sunday.

Heavy rain causes difficulties for road users in Dubai. Three vehicle accident in the Karama area near the post office. (Photo: Sasha Noreen/reader)

Dubai Police Command and Control Unit logged up to 12,573 emergency calls during the same period.

Read our guide on how to safely drive in the rain

Lieutenant Colonel Turki Abdul Rahman Bin Faris (left), Director of Command and Control Unit at Dubai Police, urged motorists to be cautious when driving in rainy conditions on the road.

“Motorists should always keep a safe distance between cars and adjust their speed to the weather conditions … allow extra time for your journey and check your planned route. It’s also advisable to slow down as rain makes roads slippery,” Lt Col Bin Faris said.

He said accidents happen during bad weather conditions due to low visibility.

“People must check the weather condition before jumping behind the wheel and they should follow safety instructions and regulations to avoid accidents.”

He urged motorists to leave earlier to reach their offices and to check the weather update to avoid traffic accidents.

In Sharjah, police cordoned off a number of areas in the eastern region due to waterlogged roads, and warned residents to stay away from the valleys and the coast.

Traffic patrols were also deployed to divert motorists and ensure smooth traffic flow Sharjah City's interior roads and highways.

#شرطة_الشارقة تكثف جهودها المرورية والمجتمعية في المنطقة الشرقية جراء الأمطار الغزيرة التي تشهدها الدولة pic.twitter.com/0uP9Q3mctI — شرطة الشارقة (@ShjPolice) December 17, 2017

Traffic much slower than usual

Traffic at Business bay to airport tunnel in Dubai. (Photo: Clint Egbert/Gulf News)

Traffic was exceptionally slow on the Dubai – Al Ain Road, and the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed (MBZ) intersection near Dubai Silicone Oasis, as residents left work early in an attempt to beat the evening rush.

Drivers were also faced with more than one hour traffic delays as they made their way into Deira and Bur Dubai, especially on Ras Al Khor Road, Shaikh Zayed Road, Garhoud Bridge and Hatta Road.

Earlier in the day, traffic was much slower than usual with nearly half an hour delays on roads, according to Google Maps.

Congestion was also reported in Business Bay area and Downtown Dubai.

Heavy rains in Dubai flood roads causing disturbance to traffic. (Photo: Clint Egbert/Gulf News)

Road closures have been reported on the Abu Dhabi – Ghweifat road, D67 and Al Asayel Street.

There was a traffic delay on Al Khail Road. If you are on any of these roads, please use caution.

Police warn motorists to drive carefully

Dubai: Authorities warned motorists to drive with caution as heavy rain lashed across the UAE on Sunday.

In its midday update, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported rainfall in Jumeirah, Al Ain, Fujairah, and across the northern emirates.



Dubai Police cautioned motorists to drive on paved roads and not to speed on the roads.

It is advisable to keep your vehicle in high and closed places to prevent exposure to water hazard.#UAE #Rain #Weather #DubaiPolice — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 17, 2017

Business Bay as of now pictures by passenger @fazilakhamisani. Tweeps do enjoy the rain ☔ and drive but be very careful. Keep safe distance. Drive with your headlights on to make yourself visible for cars following you. pic.twitter.com/uwV8RRe2hN — TrafficDXB (@trafficdxb) December 17, 2017



Fujairah police were also called to assist motorists stuck in flooded roads, and an online video post shows police officers pushing a car out of the water.

A post shared by شرطة الفجيرة Fujairah Police (@fujpoliceghq) on Dec 16, 2017 at 11:26pm PST



Residents were quick to post photos of flooded wadis and roads in the eastern region, as cars tried to make their way around the waters.

With inputs from Ali Al Shouk, Staff Reporter