DUBAI: Heavy rains hit Dubai, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and some other parts of the UAE on Sunday, flooding streets in various areas.

According to a report published in the Khaleej Times, the weather department sounded the alarm and asked UAE residents to be cautious while out near the sea.

“It is not advisable to go swimming or venture out to the mountains till Monday. The weather conditions are very unstable and we are closely monitoring the situation,” said a forecaster.

According to the weather centre, it will be increasingly cloudy over most areas of the country, with more convective clouds associated with rainfall of different intensity at scattered places. Modreate to fresh winds will blow, which may cause rising of dust.

The centre also warned of rough to very rough waves in the Gulf and Oman sea during this period.

Taking into account the looming rains and storm, the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police said it had stepped up its preparations.The police confirmed their readiness to receive all emergency calls at their control centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain, in normal or exceptional circumstances.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said it was liaising with all concerned authorities, including police and municipalties, to manage the situation. The authority also put in place an action plan for evacuation of residents and aid supply, in case of crisis.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2017