
DUBAI 26 May 2018: Latest reports from the National Early Warning System indicates that cyclone Cyclone Mekunu hit the coast of Dhofar Governorate in Oman.
Heavy rains will continue in the governorates of Dhofar and Al Wusta, accompanied by strong winds and heavy thunderstorms, with rainfall of 200 to 600 millilitres, leading to flooding in wadis, the Oman News Agency, reported on Friday.
The centre of Mekunu may arrive at the coast of Dhofar as a first-degree cyclone.
Waves on the coasts of Dhofar and Al Wusta could reach between eight and 12 metres in height, and flooding could affect low-level areas. Waves on the coast of South A’Sharqiyah Governorate will also be high, at between three and five metres.
The Public Authority for Civil Aviation has called upon the public to monitor its warnings and weather forecasts.
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Mekunu unlikely to reach UAE
Mekunu is unlikely to reach the UAE, but the eastern and southern parts of the country might be affected by a moist air mass, according to the medium-range forecast issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
The moist air mass will also lead to thunder showers and winds, causing blowing sand and dust, especially over the southern parts of the country, said Wam.
Mekunu is currently moving at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour, km/h, north to north-easterly over a latitude of 13 degrees north and longitude of 55.6 degrees east. The cyclone’s centre is located approximately 475 kilometres from Salalah and 190 km from Socotra Island. The estimated wind speed around the centre of the cyclone is between 130 to 140 km/h, the forecast noted.
The NCM also predicts that Mekunu will intensify into a Category 2 cyclone over the next 12 hours, with an expected wind speed of between 155 to 165 km/h.
The NCM is urging the public to follow its updates, reports and forecasts, and to ignore rumours circulated by unqualified individuals.