Wind and rain expected across much of the UAE

ABU DHABI // The wind and rain that hit much of the country yesterday is forecast to continue today.
Storms hit the east of the country with the stretch of mountains from Hatta to Khor Fakkan experiencing particularly heavy downpours, but areas of Abu Dhabi also recorded rain.
The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology warned motorists that the conditions would continue tomorrow, decreasing visibility in affected areas.
It also urged people in the east to avoid high locations as lightning is expected.
"Some people hide under trees, which is the most dangerous place," said a meteorologist.
Mariners were also warned against all but essential voyages.
Today's rain was caused by clouds that began forming in the early morning over Abu Dhabi's offshore islands.
As the clouds moved to the western and central parts of the country, they caused surface winds in the early afternoon.
In some places the winds reached up to 70 kph.
"This raised dust near the surface and caused sudden drops in visibility, which in some places reached less than 100 metres," said the meteorologist.
As the rain clouds arrived in Abu Dhabi, visibility improved and some parts of the emirate experienced showers.
vtodorova@thenational.ae