A 24-hour heavy rainstorm hit parts of the Middle East, specifically the United Arab Emirates, Dubai
The rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with around 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport.
The storms intensified around 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and hail onto the overwhelmed city.
The storms swamped roadways and created dangerous conditions across the region, which is normally arid and unaccustomed to intense rain and flash flooding.
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Flights into Dubai airport were temporarily diverted as a result of the “continued exceptional weather event currently being experienced in the UAE,” airport officials said Tuesday in a statement.
“Recovery will take some time,” the airport said on the social platform X. “We thank you for your patience and understanding while we work through these challenges.”
“More than 4.7 inches of rain fell in a day in the UAE, flooding streets across Dubai and sending water spilling into homes and businesses.
” The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority urged people to stay home, advising that cars should be parked in “safe and elevated locations,” away from flood-prone areas and places where water can accumulate.
Schools across the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, largely shut down ahead of the storm, and government employees mostly worked remotely if possible.
Many workers stayed home as well, though some ventured out, with unfortunate incidents of vehicles stalling out in deeper-than-expected water covering some roads.
Other parts of the Middle East, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, were also hit by unusually wet conditions this week.
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