In the early hours of Thursday morning, UAE residents experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing many to have a restless night. The National Center of Meteorology had predicted moderate to heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and the possibility of hail. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority assured the public of their preparedness for the unstable weather conditions.
Many residents, such as Mark Angeles from Dubai South, were awoken by the intense weather conditions. Despite the strong winds, there were no reported cases of flooding in Dubai South. Some residents, like Filipino expat James Arriola, took precautions and left for the airport early to avoid any potential road closures. Some shops in the area also improvised rain defenses by covering their doors with plastic sheets and sandbags.
In areas like Mudon, which were heavily affected by the rain and flooding on April 16, residents were on high alert. Authorities took preventative measures such as closing tunnels and placing sandbags in vulnerable areas. Residents across the country took to social media to share their experiences of the thunderstorms and heavy rain. In Abu Dhabi, residents also reported heavy rainfall and strong winds that began past midnight and continued into the morning.
Residents in Abu Dhabi, including areas like Al Dhafra, Mussafah, and Mohammed bin Zayed City, also experienced thunder and lightning throughout the night. Many residents were concerned about potential flooding, but the intensity of the rainfall had waned by the morning. Despite the overcast conditions, there were no reports of severe flooding in these areas.
Overall, the UAE experienced a night of intense weather conditions with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms. Authorities and residents were prepared for the unstable weather, with preventative measures put in place to minimize the impact. Despite the challenges, residents across the country remained vigilant and shared their experiences on social media. With the weather conditions improving by the morning, residents could breathe a sigh of relief as they prepared for the day ahead.