Abu Dhabi: A tropical storm that formed in the Arabian Sea is expected to hit the coast of Oman within the next few days, with heavy rains forecast and possible flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Nilofar, which formed over the Arabian Sea on Sunday, is not expected to significantly affect the UAE.
The duty forecaster at the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said: “The storm is now 750 kilometres to the south coast of Oman with a wind speed of 35 to 40 knots, which is 80-90 kilometres per hour. The wind speeds from the cyclone will increase in the next few days to about 120 kilometres per hour”.
The cyclone will hit Oman on Tuesday and Wednesday before heading away, according to the forecaster. “It will approach the Oman coastal areas specifically on Tuesday and Wednesday. The people on the coast of Oman will witness very strong winds, and different intensity of rain during Tuesday and Wednesday while this tropical storm is moving away from the coast.”
“The strong winds will make the sea very rough, and flooding could occur with the intensity of rains that will be coming on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fishermen should definitely avoid the seas off the coast of Oman during this time.”
In UAE, clouds may cover the country, mainly in the eastern and southern regions with light rains expected, but nothing significant or threatening for the country is expected.
— Sami Zaatari is an intern with Gulf News
