LIVE: Landslide, flight diversions, floods in UAE as heavy rains pound 7 emirates

The severe weather conditions forecast to strike the UAE this weekend have begun.

Heavy rain and thunder have lashed several parts of the country overnight, with many residents waking up to showers, dark skies and strong winds.

Everyone is advised to stay indoors. Events were cancelled and popular leisure spots were closed.

With the bad weather expected to peak today — Khaleej Times brings you the latest updates from across the UAE.

12pm: Dubai residents change plans after rains begin pouring

Some residents were visiting Kite Beach as part of their fitness routine. However, they had to cut their plans short due to a sudden heavy downpour.

“It wasn’t raining in the morning, and we decided to go for a jog. We reached the beach around 6.30am. It was very windy and cloudy, but there were no signs of rain. However, around 7am, it started raining heavily,” said Vani, a resident of Nad Al Sheba.

“When it started raining heavily, all my focus was to find shelter and run towards my vehicle. It was not normal rain. I saw the seas, and they were very rough,” added Vani.

11.50am: New road closures

Sharjah Police has said in an update that all road exit tunnels extending on Sharjah Maliha Road, Sharjah Al Dhaid road, and Khor Fakkan Road are closed due to rainwater accumulation.

An underpass used for U-turns along Emirates road has also been closed, motorists have noted.

11.45am: Kalba recovery teams prepared for potential emergencies

Shahid Kamal, a recovery truck driver in Kalba, said that he and his team have prepared for potential emergencies by having five trucks on standby to extract vehicles in the event of flooding.

“Two of the trucks have come from Sharjah to help residents extract vehicles from the water. Many people have parked their cars at higher altitudes. It is not raining much right now. Police have informed us that it may rain heavily and to be prepared,” said Kamal.

“Drawing from past experiences, many cars were stuck in water when it rained heavily, and the repair cost was very expensive. We need to take proactive steps to reduce the impact on the vehicles,” added Kamal.

11.35am: Intercity buses suspended temporarily

Dubai’s RTA has temporarily halted intercity bus service between Dubai and Sharjah (Route E315), it said in a tweet.