Weather update: Cyclone Shaheen continues towards North and South Al Batinah

Muscat: Tropical cyclone Shaheen will continue to cause heavy rainfall in North and South Al Batinah with rainfall predictions in the 200 to 500 mm range. The governorates of Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi and Al Dakhiliyah will be hit by the cyclone after midnight with rainfall ranging between 100 and 300 mm, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said in its latest weather update.

“The latest satellite images and analysis of the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre show that tropical cyclone Shaheen is currently centered at a latitude of 23.8 degrees North and longitude 57.5 degrees East, and continues its movement towards the coasts of the governorates of South and North Al Batinah, and the center of tropical cyclone is about 30 km from the Wilayat of Suwaiq.  The wind speed around the center is estimated at 65 knots (120 km/h). Rough seas with wave height ranging between 7 and 10 metres are expected."

It is likely that the tropical situation will continue to affect South Al Batinah and North Al Batinah with strong winds (45 to 65 knots). Scattered rainfall of varying intensity will also continue in the governorates of Muscat, North and South Al Sharqiyah, while the governorates of Al Dhahirah, Al Buraimi and Al Dakhiliyah will see thunderstorms that may lead to flooding of valleys. Musandam Governorate may be affected by rains of varying intensity tomorrow morning. It is possible that the center of the cyclone will cross between Musanah and Suwaiq within the next hour.

The sea will be very rough on the coasts of the Sultanate, extending from South Al Sharqiah Governorate to Musandam Governorate, with an estimated wave height of 8-12 meters, with the possibility of sea water extending to land in low areas, and moderate to rough waves on the rest of the Sultanate's coasts between 2 and 3 meters in height.