Rain hits northern emirates

RAS AL KHAIMAH // Rain and thundershowers swept across some of the northern emirates this morning causing traffic problems for commuters. Drivers in Ras al Khaimah struggled with their early morning journeys and cyclists were left drenched by unexpected cloud bursts. "I couldn't see anything," said Sana Moosa, a 21-year-old student from the US visiting her family. "The whole area was flooded, the roundabouts were covered in water."

The first showers of the year in Ras al Khaimah acted as an initial test for the city's new storm drains in the Khozam and Nakheel areas. The RAK International Airport reported approximately 18mm of rain this morning and overcast weather in the afternoon. More showers are expected. azacharias@thenational.ae