Heavy rain causes chaos across UAE

Rains brought chaos to Dubai and the northern emirates on Tuesday morning as the weather department predicted thundershowers and lighting for the next 48 hours.

Reports said major arteries of Dubai were choked with vehicles as residents began a rush to get to the office, a day after the city was shutdown because of a visit by US President George W. Bush.

Tuesday is the third day that life in the city was thrown out of gear - on Sunday, authorities closed roads unannounced, in preparation for the high-profile visit, catching motorists off guard.

Monday saw even more roads sealed off officially, adding to the frustration.

Around 10,000 residents today called emergency hotlines to find a relatively safe and quick route to work. The high volume of inquires have pushed police to limit response to emergency cases only, they said.

Motorists should expect no relief for at least another day or two from the wet weather that has gridlocked traffic and smashed work routines across Dubai.

Thunder and lighting were expected to join forces on Tuesday afternoon, with overland winds anticipated at 15 knots per hour, according to the meteorological department of the federal communications ministry. Offshore winds were expected to be even stronger.

Sharjah-bound traffic on Emirates Road was totally choked, with some cars trying to reverse or even drive up the wrong way, thanks to a submerged stretch of asphalt between the Sonapur and Sharjah Ring road exits.

Commuters to Dubai hardly fared better – all main entries into the emirate were clogged, with repeat scenes of tailbacks from yesterday’s official roadblocks that were clamped down to ensure a smooth itinerary for the visiting US President, George W. Bush.