New and updated: the KHDA has issued an official Weather Advisory to all Dubai schools asking them to be on standby to close schools and revert to Distance Learning for students as storm intensity increases:
See all the latest on the hazardous weather warning for Dubai schools on Monday 12 February 2024 here.
Wet weather lashed parts of Dubai and the UAE yesterday 26 October, with thunder cracks, lightning and heavy rain making driving conditions dangerous for motorists on the school run this afternoon.
The unstable weather has caused flooding across roads and flood damage in some buildings and is expected to continue through until 12pm on Friday 27 October, prompting the KHDA to require that schools provide distance learning for those students who are unable to make it into school for safety reasons.
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The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has broadcast an Orange warning for ‘Dust, Sand, Wind, Thunder rain, Cumulonimbus clouds’ across parts of the UAE from Thursday 26/10 13:30 to Friday 27/10 12:00. Residents are warned to expect rainy convective clouds and fresh to strong winds at times causing blowing dust.
There is a Yellow warning for across the whole UAE, with Dust or Sand, Wind, Thunder rain and Cumulonimbus clouds expected over the same time period.
Will schools be closed tomorrow? The KHDA and Ministry of Education have not issued any publicly available directive or comment yet, but it is likely that schools will make decisions based on the safety of their individual buildings and surrounding roads in the morning.
In previous periods of wet weather, flood damage to school buildings has led several schools to close for a ‘rain day’ due to unsafe conditions. As Friday is just a half day, it is possible that schools may choose to remain closed for the weekend, or provide learning online, as has happened in the past.
Standing water on roads can make driving conditions dangerous, and authorities across the country have issued warnings relevant to motorists on the school run tomorrow.
The Dubai Road Transports Authority has issued a warning for motorists to inspect their vehicle’s brakes, tyres, headlights and front windshield before driving in wet weather.
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Dubai Police emphasised that road users must slow down and maintain a safe distance between cars.
Meanwhile the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) advised people to stay in their homes unless absolutely necessary, to drive with caution and stay abreast of weather alerts and guidance from authorities.
Stay tuned to weather updates and your school’s communication channels to determine whether your child’s school will be open tomorrow. And in the meantime, drive safely, sticking to the following guidelines from the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM)…
What you should do Before Heavy Rain, Floods and Thunderbolts
Please carry out the following procedures:
- Watch weather changes, Listen to weather forecasts and official media if there is any notice or warning.
- Carry out regular maintenance necessary for electrical wirings and ensure firm fixing of the same.
- Check water sewerage channels and springs and carry out the necessary maintenance for the same
- Ensure the first aid and emergency kits are ready to use in addition to auxiliary lighting means such as (hand torch or lantern or candles) for use when necessary.
- Do not allow children to play in outdoor open areas.
- Secure external stuff and put valuable things in waterproof containers and close windows.
What you Should Do During Heavy Rains, Floods and Thunderbolts
If you are Inside your Home, Please Carry Out the Following Procedures:
- Watch weather changes, Listen to weather forecasts, official media and social media websites
- Check water sewerage channels and springs to avoid water accumulation as much as possible.
- Disconnect power from home devices to protect them from electrical current passage in case of lightning broke through the house network.
- Avoid touching metals, electrical devices and phones, do not use water taps or any water connected to the plumbing system, as thunder could hit the wires and pipes.
- Do not leave the house except in utmost emergency cases .
- Stay away from glass windows and doors.
- Do not allow children to play outside the house
- Abide by instructions and directions immediately in case you received an evacuation order through media or competent security authorities in the state, and ensure your safety and your family’s safety.
- Disconnect electrical current and close water network in the event of hurricanes
- Avoid showering as much as possible because the plumbing connections in the toilet might lead electrical charges from the lightning.
- You may use mobile or landline phones if you wish, it’s safe to use them indoor.
If You are Outside, Please Carry Out the Following Procedures:
- Avoid standing under high standing alone trees, electricity posts and telecommunication posts.
- Do not try to walk beside shores or flowing water, valley ducts and dams or pools .
- Try to find a safe place and stay away from electrical power during heavy rains, the disconnection of the same doesn’t mean it’s safe.
- Stay away from flowing water and valley ducts, especially if you were swimming in the sea.
- Prepare adequate firefighting tools and equipment because lightning could cause fires to erupt.
- Avoid using mobile phones except in utmost urgent cases especially during thunder storms.
- Use landline phone for emergencies if you were in an open place and beware that mobile or landline phones are safe to use only indoors and should not be used outdoors.
- Do not attempt to reconnect the electricity in case of disconnection and seek support from competent authorities instead.
- Do not leave the house before ensuring the situation is back to normal and watch weather forecasts through local media.
- Abide by instructions and directions immediately in case you received an evacuation order through competent authorities in the state, and ensure your safety and your family’s safety.
When Driving a Car, Please Carry out the Following Procedures:
- Watch weather changes, and listen to weather forecasts through the radio.
- Please take caution and care during weather changes occurring suddenly on the road.
- Reduce speed and do not overtake other vehicles, and turn on the lights.
- Do not use the car for transportation in flooded areas, flowing water could make you lose control over the car.
- Maintain safe distance between vehicles.
- Use the flashing indicators only for warning and use front and rear wipers to maintain a clear vision.
- Park the car off the road in case you had to stop it completely, and call your family to inform them you are safe.
- Be careful while driving in flooded areas, which can cause slipping and losing control over the vehicle.
- Do not cross flowing water that is above the knee level in case of electrical current disconnection during heavy rains.
Further Information
For up-to-the-minute weather reports click here.
Important KHDA announcements can be found here.
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