Caution urged as effect of gusty, dust-laden winds continues

AMMAN — With strong dust-laden winds currently affecting the Kingdom, the Civil Defence Department (CDD) on Tuesday advised the public to take precautionary measures.

In a statement, the CDD also affirmed its preparedness to cope with prevailing weather conditions, urging people not to go out except for emergencies. 

The department called on motorists to be extra cautious when driving on highways due to low visibility.

The CDD stressed the importance of having enough medical supplies for those suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases, asking the public to call 911 in case of emergency. 

Homeowners should also fasten objects on rooftops to prevent them from being blown off by the strong winds.

"We are ready to cope with the prevailing weather conditions, and our preparedness depends on the updates issued by the weather department," CDD Media Director Brig. Gen. Farid Sharaa said.

The department has not dealt yet with any serious condition caused by the weather, a CDD source told The Jordan Times over the phone, noting that operation rooms are open to receive any complaints by the public.

Maj. Wasfi Etoum, of the Public Security Department's (PSD) security media department, said visibility does not exceed 40m in some areas, but all roads are open.

Ruweished town in the northeast and Ghabawi in east Amman are the areas most affected by the prevailing weather conditions, but no traffic problems have been reported, the PSD official told The Jordan Times over the phone.

"The PSD urges motorists to exercise caution and refrain from tailgating to avoid accidents," he added.

The Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) also warned of slippery roads and called on motorists to avoid valleys due to the chance of flash floods.

A JMD statement said there will be a chance of rainfall in the northern and central regions of the Kingdom on Wednesday, with temperatures in Amman expected to range between 2°C and 11°C.

Frost formation is expected after midnight around the Kingdom, the department added.

On Thursday, temperatures in Amman are forecast to range between a low of 2°C and a high of 13°C, according to the JMD, which added that frost is also expected at night.