Heavy rains, thunder and lightning hit parts of UAE

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an orange and yellow alert for several parts of the country, warning residents to stay away from areas prone to flash floods.

Taking to their official social media channels, the weather bureau informed that the alert will be in place until 7:00 pm on Friday.

pic.twitter.com/Itvvf3MNDf

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) November 17, 2023

#تنبيه #المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد
#Alert_#NCM pic.twitter.com/z6NzkM1Gf6

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) November 17, 2023

#أمطار_الخير #الحلو #عجمان#المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد ⁧⁧#أصدقاء_المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد⁩ #حالة_الطقس #حالة_جوية ⁧#هواة_الطقس⁩ pic.twitter.com/P8jVkt23nc

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@ncmuae) November 17, 2023

Dubai Police also issued emergency alerts to residents' phones, urging them to exercise caution on the roads.

Stay safe on the road during rainy weather by following these safety guidelines. Make road safety your top priority with these traffic tips. pic.twitter.com/Wj8Hvg9k3t

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) November 17, 2023

Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) also warned of delays on key roads in the Emirate due to flooding, urging residents to use alternative routes.

"Expected delay on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd. at the entrance of the Emirate of Sharjah due to rainwater accumulation. You can use Al Khail Rd., Emirates Rd., and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan St. as alternative routes," the RTA said.

#RoadUpdate: expected delay on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd. at the entrance of the Emirate of Sharjah due to rainwater accumulation. You can use Al Khail Rd., Emirates Rd., and Sheikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan St. as alternative routes to ensure easy reach to your destinations.…

— RTA (@rta_dubai) November 17, 2023

Meanwhile, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) urged schools and parents to take decisions that prioritises the safety of staff and students.

In times of rain, it’s important to be flexible - schools and parents can decide what’s best for their children, students and staff. Take care if you’re on the road today. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8rbJzpNOrX

— KHDA | هيئة المعرفة والتنمية البشرية بدبي (@KHDA) November 17, 2023