Al Ain: The worst sandstorm of the winter should clear sometime on Monday, say weather officials, following Sunday's high winds and swirling sand that shut down highways, a port, construction worksites and Global Village.
The National Centre for Meterology and Seismology said that a low-pressure system moving through the region worked in concert with winds of up to 80 km/h to create stormy conditions.
Police from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah reported no injuries stemming from poor visibility on roads while Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) closed some roads. Hussain Al Banna, RTA traffic director, said: "The Lahbab road has been completely closed to traffic since earlier today [Sunday], due to dangerous levels of sand accumulated on the road. This was necessary because motorists could lose control as sand makes the roads slippery."
Tanker operations at Jebel Ali port were suspended briefly yesterday and an Emirates spokesperson said the Dubai International Airport experienced minor flight delays.
"Selected flights departing Dubai were delayed for a brief time," the spokesperson told Gulf News in an emailed statement. There were, however, "no cancellations or diversions" reported at the Dubai airport.
Construction companies and third-party testing bodies stopped operations on Sunday, said Gloria Rose, business development manager of Claymore Security and Safety Consultants.
The Global Village in Dubai was closed to protect visitors and employees, managers said.
