Dubai: Heavy traffic hampered Dubai residents on rainy Sunday, with at least one accident and a number of ongoing roadworks blocking major thoroughfares.
Here are our tips on driving safe in rainy weather
And as heavy rains lashed many parts of the UAE, motorists have been advised to drive safely, and avoid exceeding the speed limit and overtaking other road users.
#أمطار_الخير أمطار غزيرة “الفجيرة” تصوير أحمد الحمادي، مصور #علوم_الدار #أصدقاء_المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد #هواة_الطقس pic.twitter.com/4UMeOcMdkj
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@NCMS_media) December 17, 2017
As of 12 noon, residents encountered delays on Financial St., near Dubai Mall and long queues were experienced on the first interchange towards the direction of Al Wasl. Abu Dhabi-bound traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road was also slow moving.
At least one accident caused gridlock on Al Khail road at 8.06am, just before Latifa Bint Hamdan bridge, towards the direction of Al Maydan bridge, according to Dubai Police.
8:06#TrafficUpdate:#Accident on Al Khail rd before Latifa Bint Hamdan bridge towards Al Maydan bridge, resulting in traffic delays. Please drive safely and carefully.
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 17, 2017
Long tailbacks were also reported on a number of major highways around Dubai and residents heading back to work would do well to take alternative routes. In the neighbouring emirates, including Fujairah, motorists had to wade through flooded streets as rains hit some parts of the country.
In Dubai, delays bogged down the commute on Ras Al Khor Road, Shaikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road, Al Ghubaiba Road, Baniyas Road, Al Musalla Road and in areas around Zabeel Park, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai as of 8.50am.
Sharjah commuters heading to Dubai were likewise caught in a serious gridlock on the Dubai-Sharjah Road, spanning 2.62 kilometres on the stretch between Al Taawun in Sharjah to Hor Al Anz in Dubai, as of 9.15am.
And as rains started to fall in Dubai by 11:30am, traffic in various parts of the city again crawled to a halt.
As of 12 noon, residents encountered delays on Financial St., near Dubai Mall and long queues were experienced on the first interchange towards the direction of Al Wasl. Abu Dhabi-bound traffic on Shaikh Zayed Road was also slow moving.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued an advisory asking residents to be careful when driving on wet roads.
“When it rains, please drive patiently, avoid speeding and overtaking other vehicles. Your safety is our priority,” RTA Dubai said on Twitter.
