Muscat/Dubai: A lethal spring storm system has turned deadly in the Gulf, leaving three dead in Oman after "dangerous" flash floods swept through the Sultanate. With both Oman and the UAE under high alert, authorities are warning residents that the unstable weather, marked by thunderstorms, hail, and unpredictable wadi flows, is set to intensify through the week.

Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) confirmed the tragic deaths in the South Al Batinah Governorate. The fatalities occurred when three vehicles were caught in fast-moving floodwaters in Wadi Al Maawil. While rescue teams managed to save one individual from the surge, search operations later confirmed the deaths of three others trapped by the rising waters.

Beyond the fatalities, emergency crews have been working around the clock, successfully rescuing more than 40 people trapped by runoff that has cut off major roads in Muscat and the Al Batinah coastal belt.

Key weather updates for the UAE for Sunday

A surface low-pressure system is currently colliding with an upper-air extension, creating a “storm" for convective clouds and heavy rainfall. Projections show a particularly strong storm cell developing tonight over the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain–Dubai corridor.

Residents should expect heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail in scattered locations today. Strong winds reaching up to 45 km/h are causing dust storms, significantly reducing visibility in open inland areas.

Humidity is peaking at 95%, with temperatures dipping to 20°C–23°C during the rains.

Social media has been flooded with dramatic footage showing the intensity of the localized showers. Videos show water surging through Al Hayer and the powerful flow of Wadi Al Nahwa in Khorfakkan. Authorities have highlighted these videos as a warning of how quickly "routine" rain can turn into a life-threatening surge.

Safety warnings: Heavy fines for "Storm Chasers"

The UAE Ministry of Interior has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for reckless behaviour during unstable weather. Residents are strictly warned against gathering near dams or valleys to watch the floods.

Dh1,000 Fine & 6 Black Points: For gathering near valleys or flood channels.

Dh2,000 Fine & 23 Black Points: For entering a valley while water is flowing.

Vehicle Impoundment: Vehicles used in these violations can be confiscated for up to 60 days.

The NCM indicates that the unstable conditions will persist into Monday and Tuesday, with further chances of rainfall and scattered clouds. While temperatures are expected to rise gradually by mid-week, the threat of sudden convective cloud formation remains high.