Morning thunderstorms flood Dubai

Dubai: Roads and houses were flooded as thunderstorms lashed the UAE today - and forecasters warned the turbulent weather was set to continue.

Air conditioning units stopped, traffic lights went dead and emergency generators kicked into action as the effects took their toil.

Cars were abandoned across the city as motorists realised they were unable to battle the depth of water on the roads.

Residents in the Springs, Meadows and Arabian Ranches, some of the worst hit communities, were left stranded for up to an hour while the water build up subsided.

Rain leaked into many upstairs rooms from the balconies in the Springs and Meadows soaking curtains, rugs and personal possessions.

The rains - caused by cold air moving into the upper atmosphere from the north west - began in the Jebel Ali area and by about 8am had moved into Dubai. Forecasters put out warnings for air, sea and road travel, with offshore winds expected to gust at up to 40 knots.

Phil Targett, a duty forecaster at Dubai International Airport, said: "We'll see further rain and thunderstorms into Friday, and there could also be isolated showers on Saturday."

By shortly after midday today, meteorologists at Dubai International Airport had recorded 12.8mm of rain.

Organisers of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis tournament found themselves facing a scheduling headache after the afternoon's play was washed out by the weather.

Play eventually got under way at 7pm, but there could be more serious disruption if the rains keep coming over the weekend.