Breaking: Cyclone Hikaa to make landfall in Oman imminently

Muscat: Cyclone Hikaa is expected to make landfall in Oman very soon, the country’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) announced, and the cyclone is just 20 kilometres away from Duqm.

“The tropical cyclone continues to move westward towards the coasts of Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta governorates and the landfall is expected to be between Masirah Island and Ras Al Madrakah,” said the latest weather warning bulletin from PACA’s National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre.

“The direct effects over the governorates of South Sharqiyah and Al Wusta will be starting from today afternoon, associated with heavy rainfall ranging between 60 and 100mm and gale winds ranging between 55 and 65 knots.

“A rough sea state is expected over the coastal areas of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, with a maximum wave height ranging between four and six metres,” added PACA. “Storm surges might cause seawater inundation over low-level coastal areas.”

PACA’s Directorate General of Meteorology advised the public to take proper precautions, stay away from low-lying areas and to avoid crossing wadis.