Dubai: Strong winds, blowing sand and dipping temperature greeted UAE residents on way to work on Sunday after the weekend.
"It's another bad weather day," said Ron Henry, a Sharjah resident working in Dubai, about the vagaries of nature.
"After last Sunday's sandstorm, I thought the weather will turn for the better today. But it's really bad," he said.
According to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology in Abu Dhabi, strong winds have been battering the country, generating some 14 feet high waves offshore on Sunday.
The cold northwesterly winds have reduced temperature across the country.
“It’s freezing… I drove to work with car heaters on,” said a Londoner based in Dubai.
The weather bureau has repeated its weather alert for motorists and people going to the sea.
According to the national weather bureau, strong winds and blowing sand/dust will continue for a while. The centre advised motorists to be cautious, especially on highways.
"I was afraid to drive as my saloon car was unsteady in the strong winds... it was like an aircraft getting into air-pockets," said Saroj Khan, a Bur Dubai resident bound to Jebel Ali in Dubai.
"It is worse on the highways. The winds are so strong and it is kicking up sand and dust. Thankfully most motorists are driving slowly. But some, as usual, are bound by their habits... tailgating, overtaking and driving like maniacs," said a resident who travels to work in Abu Dhabi from Dubai.
"It's really windy and sandy... it's a wind that never dies down," said Gillian Wright, Dubai's Al Barsha resident.
"Though the roads were not covered in sand as last week, there was sand floating around in open areas. The wind was indeed really strong... it was difficult driving though there was no major dip in visibility," said another UAE resident.
“I drive a saloon car and my car was literally shaking on the road while coming to office. I stuck to the right lane and preferred to drive slowly. It was a relief when I finally made it," said a Dubai's Karama resident.
“I like to keep the doors of my balcony open at night in the winter months for the fresh breeze, but today when I woke up I was greeted with of lot of sand that had carpeted the floor of my living room. I guess I won’t be leaving my doors open at night in a long time!,” the Karama resident said.
