Abu Dhabi: The UAE witnessed its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, surpassing anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949, WAM news agency said.
The UAE National Centre of Meteorology confirmed that the record rainfall that fell in the country during the past 24 hours until 9 pm on April 16, 2024, is an exceptional event since the start of recording climate data.
The center said that so far, the highest rainfall was recorded in the Khatm al Shakla area in Al Ain, reaching 254 mm in less than 24 hrs.
The country witnessed several difficulties in managing the inclement weather, however, authorities and residents came together to ensure the safety of all.
Dubai's highways were clogged by flooding and airport passengers were urged to stay away on Wednesday as the financial center reeled from record rains.
Huge tailbacks snaked along six-lane expressways after up to 254 mm of rain -- about two years' worth -- fell on Tuesday.
At least one person was killed after a 70-year-old man was swept away in his car in Ras Al-Khaimah, police said.
Passengers were warned not to come to Dubai Airport, the world's busiest by international traffic, "unless necessary", an official said.
"Flights continue to be delayed and diverted... We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions," a Dubai Airports spokesperson said.
Emirates airline canceled all check-ins on Wednesday as staff and passengers struggled to arrive and leave, with access roads flooded and some metro services suspended. At the airport, long taxi queues formed and delayed passengers milled around.
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