Dubai: Motorists on Sunday faced heavy delays due to major gridlock on a number of roads during the morning rush hour.
Al Khail Road and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed (MBZ) Road were the most affected roads as commuters made their way to work.
Dubai Police first reported a traffic accident on Al Khail Road before Latifa Bint Hamdan Bridge, which led to traffic delays towards Al Maydan Bridge.
8:06#TrafficUpdate:#Accident on Al Khail rd before Latifa Bint Hamdan bridge towards Al Maydan bridge, resulting in traffic delays. Please drive safely and carefully.
— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) December 17, 2017
Commuters were further delayed after another accident happened in Ras Al Khor industrial area and Al Khail Road, causing tailbacks and affecting traffic towards Shaikh Zayed Road.
Motorists driving from Sharjah to Dubai were stalled on Al Ittihad Road, and on MBZ Road from the National Paints intersection to Muhaisnah.
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai warned motorists to exercise caution and patience during unstable weather conditions, and urged drivers to follow traffic rules and not to overtake vehicles.
When it rains, please drive patiently, avoid speeding and overtaking other vehicles. Your #Safety is our priority. pic.twitter.com/DY0tj2mAxr
— RTA (@RTA_Dubai) December 16, 2017
Abu Dhabi Police confirmed that all its departments are ready to cope with the expected weather fluctuations, which is expected to continue until Monday.
#شرطة_أبوظبي ترفع مستوى الجاهزية لحالات التقلبات الجوية pic.twitter.com/hHowtImPsU
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) December 15, 2017
In the event of heavy traffic delays, motorists were also advised to take alternative routes wherever possible.