Muscat: The wind speed associated with cyclone Shaheen has increased to about 139 km / h as per the latest reports.
“The start of direct effects on the governorates of Muscat and South Al Batinah, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, and upcoming effects on the governorates of North Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi and Al Dakhiliyah,” The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center said in the fourth warning.
Qurum Commercial District has been closed due to the gradual increase of water levels. “It is necessary to evacuate the commercial district and houses surrounding it that could be, consequently, get affected.”
The tunnel leading to Burj A’ Sahwa roundabout and heading off towards Seeb has been closed due to inundation.
The Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority managed to rescue two people after their vehicle was stranded in the Azaiba, and they are in good health.
Bulletin 4
Direct impacts of the tropical cyclone Shaheen have begun on Sunday over governorates of Muscat and South Al Batinah with heavy rains (50-110 mm).
The latest satellite images and weather charts analysis at the National Multi Hazards Early Warning Center
indicates that the centre of the tropical cyclone (Shaheen) is located at longitude 59.3 E and latitude 24.4 N. The tropical cyclone continues to move towards the coastal areas of South and North Al Batinah with estimated surface wind speed around the center between 65 to 75 knots (120 to 139 km/hr). The center of the
cyclone is about 80 km away from Muscat. The South Al Batinah and Muscat governorates are likely to receive the heavy thought out the day, while North Al Batinah, Al Dahira Al Buraimi and Al Dakhiliya are expected to experience the direct impact in the next hours with strong wind (45-60 knots) and torrential rain (200-500 causing severe flash floods.
It may extend to the Governorates of Musandam and North and South Al Sharqiya with varying amounts of rain (20-60mm) mm.
The centre of the tropical cyclone is expected to cross the stretch from Al Musanah to Saham today evening between 5pm to 8pm.
Sea condition is expected gradually to be very rough over the coastal areas between South Al-Sharqiya to
Musandam Governorates with maximum wave height ranging between 8 and 12 meters. In addition storm surge
might cause seawater inundation over low-level coastal areas. The sea state will be moderate to rough along the rest of
Omani coasts with maximum wave height between 2and 3 meters.
The Civil Aviation Authority advises the public to take proper precautions, stay away from the low lying
areas and avoid crossing wadis.
The Authority also advised the fishermen and sea goers to avoid venture into the sea and follow the latest and updated bulletins from the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre.
