Heavy rain and hailstorms hit parts of the UAE

Downpours are expected to continue over some eastern and northern parts of the country in the coming days

The weather bureau has issued an alert asking people to stay away from flooded areas after heavy rain lashed parts of the Northern Emirates on Wednesday. The National

Heavy hailstorms hit parts of the Northern Emirates on Wednesday, causing flash floods in some areas.

The National Centre of Meteorology shared videos of hailstones falling in Kadra in Ras Al Khaimah.

Heavy rain with hail was also reported in Buraq in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ukhaidir in Sharjah and Sheikh Khalifa Road going towards Fujairah.

The weather bureau issued an alert asking people to stay away from flooded areas.

Residents also posted videos on social media showing the ground in Kadra covered with hailstones.

A video showed a group of camels running in the hailstorm.

SSheikh Khalifa Road was flooded and heavy rain was reported in Asfani, Al Ghayl and Shawkah roads in Ras Al Khaimah.

Hail usually occurs when strong currents of rising air, otherwise known as updrafts, carry droplets of water up high enough to freeze.

Updrafts can be caused by the sun heating the ground, which causes the surrounding air to rise, creating the perfect conditions for hail, even in the hot UAE desert.

Downpours are expected to continue over some eastern and northern parts of the country in the days to come, forecasters said earlier.

On Monday, five people were rescued after four cars were swept away in flash floods in Sharjah as heavy rain lashed the northern emirates.

Flash flooding is common in northern parts of the Emirates and police always advise residents not to drive near wadis during treacherous weather.