Severe Weather Alert: Double Fog Warning Hits Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s visibility has plunged below 1,000 meters in one of the season’s most important weather events. The National Center of Meteorology has raised a rare double fog warning that covers both coastal and inland areas of the emirate.

Dense fog blankets Abu Dhabi right now and affects major roadways and residential zones. The authorities have put complete safety measures in place throughout the emirate. Weather experts monitor the situation actively. Abu Dhabi’s residents and visitors should stay updated with the latest weather alerts and follow safety guidelines in these difficult conditions.

Current Weather Emergency Status

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued red and yellow alerts in Abu Dhabi for areas hit by heavy fog. The alerts went into effect at 6:45 AM and will stay active until 9:30 AM.

Dense fog has disrupted several major areas in the emirate:

• Al Khatim and Sweihan regions
• Khalifa Industrial area
• Sheik Maktoum bin Rashid Road
• Sheik Mohamed bin Rashid Road
• Dubai-Al Ain Road

Local authorities have lowered speed limits to 80 km/h in the affected zones. The weather emergency will likely continue through the week as fog forms in early morning hours.

The NCM’s five-day forecast shows high humidity levels at night and early morning. The fog has also spread to outlying areas like Al Wathba, Tal Al Sarab, and the Liwa desert.

Heavy fog blankets Saih Shuaib, the stretch from Al Shahama Bridge to Rawdat Al Reef, and Razeeb Road. Abu Dhabi Police keep residents informed with hourly social media updates and instant alerts about speed limit changes.

Traffic Management Response

Abu Dhabi Police has put detailed traffic management protocols in place to handle severe fog conditions. They’ve set an 80 kilometers per hour speed limit on major roads.

The latest road alert system now runs on all main highways with these features:

• Red and blue flashing lights that show traffic accidents
• Yellow flashing lights to warn about bad weather
• Solar-powered alert signals you can see from 200 meters

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate has created strict rules for heavy vehicles. They don’t allow trucks that weigh 2.5 tons or more to enter Abu Dhabi when it’s foggy. Transport companies must wait or choose different routes until they can see better on the roads.

The Security Media Department broadcasts updates through local radio stations. Alia Al Rumaithi, Radio Branch Manager, says they give immediate instructions when fog starts forming. All the same, drivers should only use hazard lights during emergencies.

Traffic patrols now stand at key spots across the emirate. These teams follow the emergency fog protocol to control traffic and quickly remove damaged vehicles to stop more accidents from happening.

Public Safety Measures

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate has put strict vehicle restrictions in place to keep the public safe during severe fog conditions. We banned trucks and large vehicles weighing 2.5 tons or more from using internal and external roads until visibility improves.

The two-month old restrictions prevent heavy vehicles from entering Abu Dhabi City between 7:30 am-9:30 am and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. Any violation results in an AED1,000 fine and vehicle confiscation for up to one week.

Safety guidelines that motorists must follow:

• Use low-beam headlights instead of hazard lights
• Keep more distance between vehicles
• Stay in your lane and avoid overtaking
• Pull over safely when visibility becomes very low

The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Center has activated its response protocols. The Department of Health has strengthened its emergency response capabilities and works with relevant authorities to provide quick medical assistance when needed.

The Emirates Red Crescent Authority has mobilized its emergency teams, volunteer groups, and logistical support units to help. These teams are ready to provide shelter and supplies during severe weather conditions.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has stationed technical teams and environmental experts in locations of all types to handle emergencies and take precautionary measures. This teamwork will give a quick response to weather-related challenges throughout the emirate.

Abu Dhabi’s weather emergency response system has shown great results through coordinated actions between multiple agencies. The complete fog management strategy uses traffic control measures, public safety protocols, and emergency response systems. Drivers stay safe during tough conditions with speed limits at 80 km/h and restrictions on heavy vehicles.

Abu Dhabi Police works closely with the National Center of Meteorology and emergency response teams to monitor conditions 24/7 and act quickly when needed. The 5-year-old safety guidelines, emergency protocols, and public communication channels protect both residents and visitors.

The double fog warning brings major challenges. Abu Dhabi’s authorities keep watch with constant monitoring and quick response teams. The emirate’s weather monitoring systems and emergency teams are ready to handle any weather-related issues. Public safety stays the top priority during these severe conditions.