Several flights have been cancelled and an orange weather alert was issued as the United Arab Emirates faces heavy rains again.

School children have been told to take part in classes from home and companies have urged their employees to work from home.

Footage from May 2 shows the dour conditions in Dubai.

An orange alert was issued on Thursday as heavy rains and thunderstorms lashed the UAE. While many residents didn't have to leave home for work today, some woke up early in the morning as downpours and strong winds struck their neighbourhoods. In the north, waterfalls gushed out as dark rain clouds hovered over the mountains.
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).


UAE rains : Several flights cancelled; intercity bus services suspended after an orange alert issued