The Arabian Peninsula was hit by unprecedented rainfall and flooding on Wednesday, shutting schools and grounding flights across the region. Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, received up to 10 inches of rain in 24 hours, surpassing any rainfall recorded in the area since 1949.
The severe storms caused widespread flooding, with Dubai's major international airport temporarily diverting incoming flights as the tarmac was inundated. Videos showed airplanes skimming through floodwaters and support vehicles nearly submerged.
In neighboring Oman, the storms have killed at least 18 people in recent days, according to the country's National Committee for Emergency Management. Other parts of the Middle East, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, were also affected by the unusually wet conditions.
While it's too soon to attribute the storms directly to climate change, studies have shown that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, potentially leading to more intense precipitation events. The UAE, known for its arid climate, is unaccustomed to such heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
Authorities in the UAE urged residents to stay home and park their vehicles in safe, elevated locations to avoid the floodwaters. Private schools were closed, and government employees were instructed to work remotely as the region grappled with the unprecedented weather.