Heavy rainfall in the eastern UAE on Sunday, October 19, created stunning waterfalls in the mountains of Fujairah but also led to dangerous rockfalls on roads. Authorities have issued safety advisories, urging residents to avoid wadis and low-lying areas due to the risk of flash floods.
Dubai, UAE – Intense downpours across the eastern regions of the UAE on Sunday afternoon transformed the mountainous landscapes of Masafi, Fujairah, into a scenic spectacle of cascading waterfalls. However, the heavy rain also created hazardous conditions, with rocks and debris falling onto mountain roads.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued alerts, advising residents in hilly and low-lying areas to remain vigilant against potential flash floods and landslides. Motorists have been urged to drive with extreme caution, reduce speed, and avoid waterlogged streets.
Videos circulated by storm-chasers showed water flowing down rocky slopes and streams forming along roads, with some vehicles carefully navigating around large boulders that had fallen onto the tarmac. This follows earlier warnings that the UAE braces for unstable weather.
The adverse weather also brought a drop in temperatures across the country. Ras Al Khaimah’s Jais Mountain recorded the nation’s lowest temperature at 17.7°C on Sunday morning. The NCM also forecast light to moderate winds reaching up to 40 km/h, which could stir up dust and sand, reducing visibility in exposed areas.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to be fair to partly cloudy for the rest of the week, with a possibility of convective cloud formation in the afternoons over eastern and southern parts of the country.
Authorities reminded the public of strict penalties for reckless driving during adverse weather:
