Police in UAE advise caution as unstable weather sets in

Abu Dhabi: Police have advised motorists to be extra cautious while driving on wet roads during rains to avoid accidents and ensure safety of all road users.

Residents have also been urged to avoid water sports over the next three days due to unstable weather conditions that are expected to persist during the period.

These conditions, caused by an accumulation of clouds over the sea and islands, include periodic rains and waves that are likely to rise up to 10 feet, a duty forecaster at the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology told Gulf News on Monday. Get more weather updates

"The sea will be especially rough [today], making water sports dangerous, and residents should delay any plans of such activities until the weather clears," he said.

Drivers advised caution

Motorists have also been asked to practice caution while driving due to lowered visibility during rains, especially in Abu Dhabi's Western Region.

"Leave enough distance, don't use hazard lights during the rain until it is an emergency situation and drive slow," warned police.

Most parts of the country on Monday experienced moderate to light rains as a result of huge clouds that had collected over the northern coastal areas.

"Conditions got unstable late on Sunday night and we expect them to remain this way for around three days," the forecaster said.

Bad weather

Tips for safe driving 

• Check that the brakes are working effectively, the tyres are in good condition and there is adequate tyre pressure.
   
• Make sure windshield wiper blades are in good condition.
   
• The windshield washer reservoir must have sufficient water.
   
• Check that all lights — headlights, brake, reverse, hazard and fog lights — are in working order.
   
• Be careful and attentive on the roads.
   
• Always wear seat belts.
   
• Drive slower than normal.
   
• Don't talk on your mobile phone while driving.
   
• Turn on the headlights in heavy rain, but don't use the high beam.
   
• Keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you.
   
• Brake earlier and avoid swerving.
   
• Stay in the same lane as much as possible.
   
• Don't switch on your hazard lights except in an emergency situation.
   
• Do not park under trees, electric poles, billboards or near construction sites.
   
• In case of an emergency, set a hazard warning triangle a little away from your car.
   
• If your vehicle starts to skid, never apply brakes or turn the steering wheel. Ease off the accelerator and keep heading in the same direction.