Tourist hotspot Dubai has been swamped with 18 months of rain in just a few hours. Authorities in the neighbouring country of Oman say flooding caused by the torrential rain has tragically killed at least 18 people. This sadly included at least nine schoolchildren and their driver, whose vehicle was washed away by floodwaters in Samad A'Shan. Meanwhile, passengers have been left in turmoil as Dubai airport – the world’s busiest forinternational travellers – was closed. Staff requested that passengers avoided the area as social media videos showed runways flooded with water. A total of 17 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled during the morning and three were diverted.

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A statement shared by Dubai Airport on social media reads: "We advise you NOT to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary. Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please check yourflight status directly with your airline. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions."

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Dubai is now battling with severe flooding in the aftermath of the worst of rainfall in the region for over 75 years. The city is often known for its hot and dry weather but in recent years it has been hit with severe rain storms. The annual average rainfall for Dubai is 97mm, whereas they've been hit with 256mm in the past 24 hours alone.

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Unbelievable videos shared on social media showed cars filled with water, forcing hundreds of motorists to abandon their vehicles. Footage shows cars completely submerged forcing some to swim to safety. Rainwater also poured into homes causing destruction to homes, pushing people into the streets to seek shelter in higher structures. An incredible time lapse video was shared on social media this morning showing how the thunderstorms began. At first the sky became black before the city wa osbscured by a blanket of rain. The rains then begins to creep in late on Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 0.79 inches of rain.

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According to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport, the storms intensified at around 9am local time on Tuesday. It continued throughout the day, with a multitude of rain and hail which went on to overwhelm the city. An average year sees 3.73 inches of rain at Dubai International Airport. But by the end of Tuesday, more than 5.59 inches of rainfall had fallen over Dubai in just over 24 hours.

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In response, authorities have cancelled school and the government have issued a work from home policy as the massive clean - up operation continues. Police and the military have been sent out to help evacuate citizens in the hardest-hit province of Ash Sharqiyah North. The Asian Champions League football semi-final between the UAE's Al Ain and Saudi side Al Hilal, due to be hosted in Al Ain, has been postponed for 24hours because of the severe weather conditions. The heavy downpours were "a historic weather event" that surpassed anything seen since records began in 1949, the state-run WAM news agency said.

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