Highways were blanketed in dense white fog across the country when residents woke up on Wednesday morning, prompting cars to maneuver cautiously at reduced speeds.
Traffic warnings and precautions
Residents awoke to find dense, white fog enveloping highways across various regions of the country on Wednesday morning, prompting motorists to navigate cautiously at reduced speeds. With visibility plummeting to as low as 1,000 meters or less in certain areas, driving conditions became perilous. Some drivers opted to activate their hazard lights, a practice discouraged by experts and authorities due to its potential to create confusion among other motorists.
Anticipate traffic congestion and delays during the morning rush hour today, as the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued a red warning, urging motorists to exercise caution. In the early hours, at 4:47 am, Abu Dhabi Police took proactive measures by sounding a blaring siren alarm to alert motorists about the dense fog. In addition to this warning, the police implemented a dynamic speed control system, reducing speed limits to 80 km/h on select internal and external roads. Motorists were advised to remain vigilant and comply with the changing speed limits indicated on electronic information boards.
Despite the fog's thickness, the sun managed to pierce through, casting its light over the towering structures in JVC and around the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Furthermore, residents can anticipate generally fair weather conditions. However, humidity levels are expected to increase by nightfall and into Thursday morning, with the possibility of fog or mist in coastal and internal regions.
Wind speeds are forecast to remain light to moderate, occasionally picking up in intensity. Sea conditions will start off rough in the morning towards the west but are expected to calm to moderate or slight levels in the Arabian Gulf, remaining slight in the Oman Sea.
Minor Earthquake Report
In a separate event, the Met Department reported slight tremors felt by UAE residents following minor earthquakes in the Oman Sea on Wednesday. An earthquake measuring 3.1 magnitude struck near the coast of Ras Al Khaimah at 12:12 am, followed by another quake measuring 2.8 magnitude at 1:53 am. Both earthquakes occurred at a depth of 10 km and were reported to have had no impact on the UAE by meteorological authorities.
As dense fog continues to affect visibility on the roads, it's crucial for motorists to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic regulations. Authorities are actively disseminating information and issuing warnings to raise awareness among residents about hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, community members are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution while commuting during foggy weather. By taking proactive measures and staying vigilant, individuals can contribute to ensuring road safety for themselves and others during challenging weather conditions.