Abu Dhabi has published a guide with recommendations on ensuring safety during periods of unstable weather in the country. This booklet informs the public on how to act before, during, and after adverse weather conditions, and also contains a list of emergency contact numbers in case of danger.
This week, from Monday, August 3rd, to Friday, August 7th, the UAE is experiencing a period of rainfall of varying intensity. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) reported that convective clouds carrying the possibility of rain will form over the UAE throughout the week, especially in the eastern direction.
The guide provides various recommendations that should be followed during heavy rains, stormy winds, hail, and fog.
Recommendations during heavy rain
It is necessary to avoid being near trees or power line poles. During a thunderstorm, one should stay away from glass windows, as well as glass and metal doors, and not touch downed power lines. It is also forbidden to use mobile or wired phones in open areas during a thunderstorm.
During heavy rain and thunderstorms, one should avoid contact with metal and electrical devices exposed to bad weather. One must bypass floodwaters and streams, and children should not go outside during severe thunderstorms. People should avoid gathering near the mouths of valleys and streams, and standing on the edges of valleys.
During or after heavy rain, it is prohibited to lift manhole covers or enter sewage chambers. Driving during thunderstorms and heavy rains should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. When adverse conditions are announced, movement through valley streams should be refrained from. It is important to observe variable speed limits indicated on road signs and electronic displays, and to carefully monitor the condition of the road surface and avoid stopping or entering near floodwaters.
Recommendations during strong winds
If you are outside, you must wait for the wind to subside before returning. People suffering from chronic respiratory diseases should take their medications and inhalers on time according to a doctor's prescription. If going outside is necessary, it is recommended to wear protective masks and eye protection, avoiding the use of contact lenses.
One should refrain from visiting the sea and participating in marine activities. It is necessary to stay away from construction sites and places where unsecured objects may cause injury. During strong winds, one should stay away from windows, glass and metal doors, keeping them tightly closed. One should also avoid being near trees or power line poles and any unnecessary outdoor activities.
Recommendations during fog
In fog, one should adhere to the speed limit, leave sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead, and use headlights in low visibility. If stopping is required, one should not park by the roadside, but find a safe place with hazard lights on. It is important to avoid distractions and not overtake the vehicle ahead if it is not necessary in low visibility conditions.
Recommendations during hail
During hail, one must not leave the house or expose oneself to hail. One must stay away from glass windows and doors during hailstorms, and also refrain from driving during such periods. Variable speed limits established on road signs and electronic information boards must be observed.
The guide also contains advice on precautions to take before unstable weather occurs, as well as instructions on actions after heavy rain or hail. This document is available on the Abu Dhabi Media Office website.
