Torrential rains and high winds lashed parts of the Gulf on Tuesday, leading to canceled flights in Dubai and school shutdowns in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain

Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced major floods which cut off major roads and left people and cars stranded.

The storms were expected to continue on Wednesday, according to the UAE's National Center of Meteorology.

More than 80 millimeters of rain were recorded in some areas, approaching the annual average of about 100 mm.

The UAE’s Ministry of Interior "urged residents to take all the precautions... and to stay away from areas of flooding and water accumulation" in a post on “X”, formerly Twitter.

“Dubai Airports” confirmed that “operations continue to be significantly disrupted at Dubai International (DXB) due to heavy rain and flooding on Tuesday, 16 April” - per a statement on its website.

A total of 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights have been canceled and three flights were diverted to other airports this morning - said the company which owns and manages the operation and development of both of Dubai's airports.

It further warned that unsettled weather will continue to cause delays and disruption into the early hours of Wednesday morning - April 17.

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