Severe thunderstorms to hit mountainous areas of UAE for next three days

Dubai: Thunderstorms in mountainous areas could bring flash floods to wadi areas, the Dubai Meteorological Office says.

Severe thunderstorms over mountainous areas in Hatta and Al Ain started on Sunday and will continue until Thursday.

An unstable monsoon-type air mass is the cause of the storms, and the Dubai International Airport-based office is currently watching weather radars and pictures for unstable developments.

Winds from such storms can reach speeds of 50 knots, causing low visibility in desert areas, which can prove dangerous in inland areas.

Motorists driving in the Hatta region are being warned to take extra care.

Flash floods could also hit the wadis. "Summer thunderstorms are a great source of rain for wadis and the water table, but it can be torrential if you are in it. Driving is dangerous in the area and if you are near a wadi you could be caught in a flash flood. It is best to stay out of wadis at this time of year," a forecaster at the Meteorological Office said.

Motorists caught in a storm are advised to pull up at a safe place and wait until the worst of the storm passes.