'Tej' retreating to Category 1 cyclone: Weather analysis

Muscat: The classification of the tropical cyclone 'Tej' has reduced from a Category 2 tropical cyclone to Category 1 tropical cyclone.

Oman Meteorology said in a statement: "Tej's tropical condition continues to gradually weaken and its classification is reduced to a first-class tropical cyclone, with the possibility of its classification being reduced within the next 12 hours to a tropical storm." 

According to the Meteorology, the cyclone's centre is about 270 kilometers away from the city of Salalah. The wind speed around the center is 82-64 knots. The expected direction of Tej is west-northwest towards the coasts of Dhofar Governorate and Yemen.

Earlier:

Weather charts analysis indicate that the tropical cyclone will continue degrading to a Tropical cyclone category 1 during the next 6 hours and make landfall through Al Mahra Governorate in Yemen tonight to tomorrow morning. It is now located 250 km from Salalah coast.

The classification of the tropical system has been reduced to a Tropical cyclone category 2. During the last few hours some willayats of Dhofar Governorate witnessed heavy rainfall and fresh winds.

 The impact is expected to continue on Dhofar and Southern parts of Al Wusta governorates as heavy rainfall ( 50-300 ) mm with expected flow of wadis and fresh to very severe blowing winds ( 40-70 ) knots. The sea is expected to be very rough ranging between ( 5-10 ) m. In addition, storm surge might cause sea water inundation over low level coastal areas.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises all to take maximum precautions and not to risk crossing valleys and to avoid low - lying areas. It is also advised to avoid the sea during this period.