The Sun is Out | A Sleepless Stormy Night and A Half Mast Flown Flag

7 months ago

At it again.

Only two weeks ago, on April 16, 2024, we had a big storm that hit the UAE and brought about about massive destruction to properties and crippled businesses. The country experienced the heaviest rainfall in 75 years, receiving amount of rain equivalent to 1.5 years in just 24 hours.

Photos show heavy rain and severe flooding in the United Arab Emirates

Amazingly, the government was quick at putting the action and the major streets were back to normal in just a matter of few days.

How UAE Restored Normality After April 16 Rains

Yesterday, May 1st, there was a warning of unstable weather again. Learning from what these heavy rains could bring, people were advised to stay home. It was very windy throughout the day in our area in Abu Dhabi, and finally after midnight, the heavy rains lashed and even stronger winds hit.

The howling winds were too strong. At one point, we feared the windows would break.

Thankfully, the rain was not as heavy, but not too little too. At least, there was no flooding around our area when I checked in the morning.

The Sun is Out.

We woke up late at around 10:00AM. I fell into deep sleep finally for 3 hours straight from 7:00am until I woke up at 10:00am. I honestly feel like floating right now at 6:00PM. I plan to just finish this blog and then go to sleep to prepare for a virtual meeting at 2:00AM (my time). 😵

The husband took the morning off and I drove him to his office at about 1:00PM. I ran a few errands (while praying that I do not come across any blockage on the roads) and was able to take this photo of the World Trade Center and the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid with the sun above them.

The rain washed away all the dust from the previous windy days. "Yay, thanks for the wash, rain," the buildings said.

Unfortunately, just a few meters away from where I was standing, I noticed some glass shards when I passed by. Not sure how many were affected, but I saw a car that had its windshield broken. It seems that something very heavy dropped and smashed the poor car.

Back to Normal (but with days of mourning)

The city was buzzing with busy pedestrians and cars. If I did not experience it, I would not even think that there was a storm here the previous night and early this morning.

Walking on the streets, I noticed that the flags were flown at half mast.

I checked the news and saw that a Sheikh had died yesterday.

So that also explained why classical music is being played on the radio. I thought I was only being encouraged to listen to it to get smarter.😅

When a member of the ruling family dies, the country enters a mourning period, which can last between three and 40 days.

Live radio broadcasts are taken off air and stations play classical music. Live entertainment is typically cancelled or dialled down out of respect.

Any way, I guess last night would be the last of the heavy rains that would be expected and more sunny days are forecasted ahead, then we would be scorched my the desert summer once more.

How about you? How has your day been so far?