Weather warning issued as strong winds forecast on Monday

Drivers urged to be on alert as visibility drops

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - - -  August 4, 2016 --- Abu Dhabi residents awoke to a sandstorm with foggy conditions on Thursday morning, August 4, 2016.    ( DELORES JOHNSON / The National )  
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Commuters have been warned to expect high winds blowing dust and sand into the air on Monday, which is expected to reduce visibility for drivers.

Abu Dhabi Police issued a weather warning to motorist as strong winds sweep across the country.

The force said sand may build up on on the motorways and urged drivers to leave enough of a gap between vehicles should they have to stop suddenly.

Strong winds are expected to reach a speed of 45km/h inland and 50km/h over the coast, the National Centre of Meteorology reported.

Strong norther-westerly winds will become moderate gradually by Monday afternoon while humidity will increase during night and Monday early morning over some internal and coastal areas, with a chance of fog formation.

Heavy dust was reported over Swiehan, Fujairah and Al Maktoum International Airport.

The sea on Monday will be rough at first, becoming moderate by evening in the Arabian Gulf and moderate in Oman Sea.

Red flags were placed on the beaches on Sunday, strongly urging swimmers to stay out of the water.