Updated at 8:45pm with information about flooding and MIA Park incident
With thunderstorms imminent over Qatar, many residents are looking to the skies tonight, checking out a spectacular lightning show over Doha.
https://twitter.com/True_Me_Here/status/720653237142102017
Spectacular lightning storm in #Doha #Qatar tonight #weather @dohanews pic.twitter.com/D3cpKBUfr6
— Simon Chan (@80sChiyuld) April 14, 2016
According to the local meteorology department, strong winds and rain are expected tonight and will continue tomorrow, stabilizing by Friday evening.
Thunder rains expected to continue tonight. However, the chances of rain are likely to weaken gradually by tomorrow morning. #Qatar
— أرصاد قطر (@qatarweather) April 14, 2016
Some parts of the country are already seeing rain tonight:
Rain and lightning as intense as it gets – in Qatar of all places, for about 10 minutes. Short but sweet desert treat.
— Robb Wood (@robbwood) April 14, 2016
Barefoot running and water blockage outside city center @dohanews #doharain #rain #Qatar pic.twitter.com/owUFcx3Kmu
— Hooriya Hussain (@hooriyahussain_) April 14, 2016
There are also various reports of hail sightings around the country:
@dohanews @shabinakhatri @LesleyWalker17 – hail in Doha!! pic.twitter.com/9dHzIAnClC
— Matthew Walker (@lesleymatt) April 14, 2016
Flooding
As the rains moved in, some residents have complained about leaking roofs in their homes, while others observed flooding on the roads.
And the strong winds put a damper on the Indian Cultural Centre’s festival at the MIA Park, after several tents collapsed:
Collapsed tents at MIA park at the Passage to India exhibition. @dohanews pic.twitter.com/KpAwcm4dOj
— najeem.ismail (@taurz) April 14, 2016
One witness said emergency responders are evacuating the area, but it is unclear if anyone has been hurt.
What are you seeing outside? Thoughts?