Dubai, Feb 17 (Khaleej Times): With dropping temperatures in parts of UAE, Sharjah witnessed a hailstorm today in the Al Malaiha area.
Thick fog covered most parts of Dubai and neighbouring emirates on Wednesday morning as motorists reported very less visibility.
Authorities have warned motorists to proceed with caution and drive with headlights or fog lights to ensure safety on the roads.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), residents can expect cloudy weather and scattered rains, which are likely to bring down the temperature further until Wednesday.
The Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman are expected to be "moderate in general" but may become rough at times.
The UAE residents had a mild start to the week on Monday, with highs of between 22 to 25°C and lows of 11 to 16°C in coastal areas; highs of 24 to 26°C and lows of 10 to 14°C in internal areas; and highs of only 13 to 16°C and lows of 5 to 9°C in coastal areas.
The rains in Fujairah have caused severe flooding in certain areas of the Emirate.
Dubai Police tweeted: "We request drivers to drive carefully and safely due to heavy fog on internal and external roads."
The Minhad air base also reported low visibility, according to NCMS update, along with Al Ain, Sweihan and Khalifa College.
Abu Dhabi Police issued a road warning on its official Twitter account at 6.30am, stating: "Low visibility due to fog formation on different parts in Abu Dhabi and highways. Motorists are urged to take extra caution."
The UAE’s Storm Centre reported ice rain in the north on Tuesday, as Muharram Abro tweeted: "Very heavy rain with black clouds along with ice storm started in Fujairah."
Oman Meteorology also stated: "Radar images observe thundershower with hail over North and South al Batinah and Mountains of al Dhakiliah."
More rain is expected to sweep across the UAE on today (Wednesday), with low-pressure weather system expected to weaken by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Fujairah, including Masafi and Dibba, are reporting severe waterlogging in the city, with overflowing wadis also seeing authorities issuing a warning for flash flooding.
Khorfakkan, Dibba get worst of UAE rains: Power cuts, landslides
Khorfakkan and Dibba are reporting the worst fallouts from the heavy rain that lashed the Northern Emirates on Tuesday.
According to Emarat Al Youm, heavy rain caused blackouts in Khorfakkan for two hours, with flooding in several houses in Al Madivi area.
Police patrols in the area also cordoned off roads after rocks began to fall off mountain sides.
Municipalities in affected areas worked hard to drain water from main streets and sidewalks.
The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) disclosed that electricity disruption was from the main power plant due to torrential rain.
Sewa asserted that it is prepared for all situations as rainfall is also forecast today (Wednesday)
Lt. Col. Ali Rashid bin Sahrin Al Naqbi, Director of Civil Defence in the eastern region, said the Civil Defence station in Khorfakkan received several calls about water leaking into homes.
He added that three homes were damaged due to water flowing and that all necessary actions have been taken.
With Inputs from Emirates 24|7