Marine warning issued, as high winds hit coast

HIGH WINDS: Sailors have been warned to stay off the nation’s waters. (Getty Images)

Sandstorms and rising dust will affect visibility throughout the UAE for the next three days, the National Center of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) warned on Wednesday.

The sandstorms will be triggered by strong north-westerly winds gusting up to 40 knots, which will hit the UAE coast early on Thursday morning, the NCMS said in a statement.

Sailors have also been warned to stay off the nation’s waters, as the high winds would lead to rough seas and waves up to 14 feet offshore, UAE daily Gulf News reported.

The wind is expected to reach 22 knots over land, reducing visibility, particularly in inland areas, and bringing temperatures down to 21 degrees Celsius.

The high winds would gradually die down from Saturday, the forecaster said.

The cold weather and high winds are the latest in a series of unsettled weather conditions in the UAE, including extreme fog earlier this week, and heavy rainfall in January which caused widespread flooding.

According to the Dubai Meteorological Office, February is typically windy in the Gulf with a higher rainfall than the rest of the year.

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USER COMMENTS (2 COMMENTS)

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Waves?
Posted by Raymond, London, United Kingdom on 21 February 2008 at 13:45 UAE time


The surfers will be loving that idea.... yeah it will be choppy but at least they will be bigger than a foot!

PS - Wont 14ft hurt the world and palm islands?

Just great!
Posted by Samer on 21 February 2008 at 09:22 UAE time


Another ruined weekend ...

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