Weather alert: Tropical Storm Shaheen likely to develop into cyclone

Muscat: Tropical Storm Shaheen is 650 kilometres away from Muscat and is likely to deepen into a Category 1 tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said in Alert No. 1 on the tropical situation: “The latest satellite images and analysis of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre show that Tropical Storm Shaheen is currently stationed at 23.3 degrees north latitude and 64.4 degrees east longitude, and is moving towards the coastal areas of the Sultanate. On the Sea of Oman, the centre of the tropical storm is about 650 kms from the Governorate of Muscat, while the nearest cumulus cloud is 500 kms away. The wind speed around the center is estimated at 34 to 63 knots (62-116 km per hour).

The tropical storm is likely to deepen into a first-class tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours and will continue to move towards the coast of the Sultanate extending from the Governorate of Muscat to the Governorate of North Al Batinah, where it is likely to cross the tropical state (Shaheen) on the evening of Sunday, October 3, 2021.

“The direct effects will start from Sunday morning and will be accompanied by high speed winds and very heavy thunderstorms, ranging between 150 and 600 mm, leading to severe flooding in the valleys of Musandam Governorate. Its maximum height ranges from 8-12 metres, with the sea level rising and its penetration to land in low areas. The sea is also rough on the rest of the coasts of the Sultanate and its height ranges from three – five metres,” CAA added.

CAA calls upon everyone to take utmost care and caution, not to risk crossing valleys, and to stay away from low-lying places.

Fishermen, farmers and livestock breeders take necessary precautions, Ministry of Agriculture advises

 A warning has been issued to fishermen, farmers and livestock breeders to take the necessary precautions as a result of the Sultanate’s weather being affected by Shaheen.

 The Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources issued an alert saying: “The Ministry calls on farmers, livestock breeders and beekeepers to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their livestock and beehives, and to keep them away from streams of valleys and reefs during this period as a result of the Sultanate’s climate being affected by the tropical situation Shaheen.”

The ministry also called on fishermen and sea-goers to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their boats, ships and equipment, and not to risk going out to sea during this period.