Heavy rainfall alert sounded in several areas including Muscat

Muscat: Oman Meteorology has issued a weather alert of heavy thunderstorms, in north part of the Sultanate of Oman on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Currently the Hajar Mountains and neighbouring areas are witnessing rains of varying intensity, and Muscat radar shows heavy rains in the mountains of the South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah and Al Dakhiliyah Governorates. The rains are likely to extend towards the coasts of the Sea of ​​Oman.

Oman Meteorology said in statement: “Due to the heavy thunderstorms, associated with strong winds and the possibility of hail, the rainfall is expected in the governorates of Musandam, North Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahira, South Al Batinah, Muscat, Al Dakhylia, North Al Sharqiya, and South Al Sharqiya. The heaviest rainfall is expected to be over Hajar Mountains and the adjacent areas, extending to the coast of the Oman Sea.”

The Civil Aviation Authority advises all to take precautions during thundershowers, and not to cross Wadis (Flash Floods) and avoid low lying areas and not to sail during alert period.

The statement added: “Heavy rainfalls expected may range between 20 - 80 mm may cause flash floods (Wadis) with chances of hail. Strong downdrafts with speed of 15 to 45 kt (28-83 km/h) expected and poor horizontal visibility due to dust storms.”