Rain lashes the UAE

Rain lashes the UAE
Gulf News web reportLast updated: January 15, 2008, 12:40

Dubai: Rain has lashed the UAE, causing widespread flooding across the country and traffic chaos.

While Abu Dhabi has largely escaped serious rain, the major roads in Sharjah have been completely flooded.

Weather forecasters have predicted more heavy rain for Wednesday morning.

On the roads, police diverted traffic away from the Emirates Road in both directions because the rain has made it impassable.

Police also cordoned off the National Paints roundabout in Sharjah, making it more difficult to access the major roads.

Several schools in Dubai and Sharjah have cancelled lessons for the day, while Our Own English High School in Sharjah cancelled exams.

Residents in the Al Nahada area of Sharjah have reported their cars being partially submerged by the heavy rains.

Flooding has also been reported at the Emaar office building near the Burj Dubai

Satellite dish antennas were blown off the roof tops in the Al Meena Bazaar area of Dubai

Traffic has also come to a standstill in Dubai with heavy flooding causing long delays on all roads.

In Bur Dubai, readers have reported widespread flooding, with residents having to wade through knee deep water to get to their cars.