Three die as rain, hailstorm hits UAE

ABU DHABI: Rain, wind, thunder, lightning and even snow descended across the country on Monday, causing flooding and traffic chaos that resulted in at least three deaths.
A youngster from a Gulf country died and three Asians suffered minor injuries in seven severe traffic accidents in Abu Dhabi, while two people were killed in over 750 reported incidents in Dubai.
Lt Col Jamal Salem Al Ameri, chief of Public Relations Section at the Abu Dhabi traffic police, said the investigations showed the accidents were caused by driving at speeds that are not suitable for wet weather conditions, tailgating and inattention to the road.
Lt Col Al Ameri urged motorists to exercise caution on the road, reduce speed, and avoid slamming on the brakes when the roads are wet.
Drivers were also cautioned against using hazard lights except for when they are stationary, as well as against stopping under trees, near billboards, and around construction sites when strong winds are blowing.
Lt Col Al Ameri advised motorists who have an accident or whose cars have had a mechanical failure in the rain to get their vehicles off the road and move them to the nearest safe place to allow flow of traffic.
In Dubai, the General Department of Traffic said that one person was killed when a bus carrying three people swerved on Mohammed bin Zayed Road under the Al Nahda Street bridge. The bus hit another vehicle parked on the hard shoulder. Another person was killed in an incident on Sheikh Zayed Road when two people were run over after they stopped on the roadside to tend to their own accident.