On Thursday, when severe thunderstorms and rain pounded the United Arab Emirates, an orange alert was issued. While many locals were spared from leaving their homes for work today, others had to wake up early due to heavy rain and wind in their neighborhoods. Dark clouds of rain loomed over the mountains to the north, gushing out in the form of waterfalls.

Over the past few days, the UAE has been preparing for this wave of unstable weather, which is forecast to peak today, May 2, until tomorrow, May 3. Safety advisories have been issued across sectors. Schools are on distance learning, while companies are urged to let employees work from home. Parks and beaches have been closed. Airports and airlines are bracing for the impact, too.

Heavy rains have been pounding the country since midnight, with Dubai seeing showers and lightning as early as 2.35am, according to alerts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

While these rains are expected to be less severe than the unprecedented downpour that hit the country earlier this month, the public is urged to take precautions.