News from The Peninsula

This is an article from "the Peninsula" newspaper about our 20 minute
storm last night. It was quite impressive- lots of lightning. There
were too many great quotes but I suppose my favorite is: "The Peninsula
office received frantic calls from people who got scared by the surprise
winds "

DOHA: At least seven incoming flights to Doha were diverted to Bahrain
and several outgoing flights were delayed due to fierce winds and
downpour that lashed the city and its outskirts last night.
Life in the city was paralysed for a few minutes in the strong winds
that were followed by heavy rains. Some parts of the country, mainly
Duhail witnessed hailstorm. Cities like Al Khor, Mesaieed and Dukhan
also reported strong winds and heavy downpour.

The Peninsula office received frantic calls from people who got scared
by the surprise winds which are said to be the strongest that the city
had witnessed in recent months. Motorists had a tough time, as many of
them were caught unaware in the middle of the winds and the rain. "It
was too scary to drive. My car was virtually shaking and the rainfall
was so heavy that the wipers didn't help," said an expatriate.
The winds started at around 9.45pm and continued for 10 to 15 minutes.
Several residents said the television signals were blurred as the
antennas were affected by the winds. Banners and billboards were brought
down in the strong winds in some parts of the city and windowpanes were
broken. Several people, including women and children, who were jogging
on the Corniche were seen panicking to reach their vehicles parked
elsewhere.

A passenger waiting for a flight at the Doha International Airport said
the flight which was supposed to take off at around 10.45pm was delayed
due to the bad weather. Sources from the airport said seven incoming
flights of Qatar Airways were diverted to Bahrain as they could not land
in the Doha International Airport due to the bad weather. Several
outgoing flights were delayed by the weather. Fishermen are advised to
check with coastguards before going for fishing as thunderstorms are
forecast today