By Sajeev K Peter

KUWAIT: Heavy rains accompanied by lightning, thunder and hail lashed Kuwait on Tuesday, disrupting movement of pedestrians and vehicles. The rains hit most parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday, as cloudy skies blanketed the country, while motorists endured bumper-to-bumper traffic on rain-soaked roads. Kuwait's meteorological department had forecast heavy but scattered rains accompanied by thunder across the country with hail over some areas. Wind speed will exceed 55 km/h, resulting a drop in visibility over some areas, and rough seas, it warned.

The temperature in Kuwait has dropped significantly over the last few days, and according to official forecasts, the mercury can fall to subzero temperatures in remote areas. Kuwait has been affected by weeks of inclement weather, which prompted authorities to advise residents to take precautions in case of rain, and asked people to stay away from areas of flash flooding and waterlogged roads.

The interior ministry Tuesday urged motorists and sea-goers to be cautious amid the current turbulent weather across the country. In a press release, the ministry urged drivers to follow security authorities' instructions for using alternative routes and avoiding swamped roads, calling on motorists to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front. It reminded parents to seat children in the backseats.

Meanwhile, authorities in several Gulf countries also renewed weather warnings of heavy rains that could batter the usually arid region. Dubai Police warned motorists to exercise utmost caution when they drive on waterlogged roads. Gulf countries usually experience mild winters, with the exception of rare and brief episodes of flooding and rain between November and January. Such weather is highly disruptive in the region, where authorities often do not install heavy drainage systems due to the rarity of rainfall.