Muscat – As per the forecast the system will continue to move west northwest towards the coasts of Dhofar governorate and the Republic of Yemen (Almahra) and is likely to further intensify into a category 4 cyclone within the upcoming 24 hours.

Meteorologist Ibrahim Al-Barashdi told a local radio station that there is a possibility that the situation will develop within the next 24 hours into a category 4 cyclone.

The CAA report reads as follows: “Latest satellite images and weather charts analysis at the National Multi Hazards & Early Warning Center indicate the intensification of the tropical cyclone Tej to a category 3 cyclone. It lay centered on Latitude 12.3 °N and Longitude 55.3 °E, and is around 500 km from the nearest coast of Oman.

Wind speed around the center is estimated to be between 100 to 112 Knots, and the nearest rainy cloud mass is estimated to be 280 km away from the coasts (Willayat of Sadah). The forecasts suggest that the system will continue to move west northwest towards the coasts of Dhofar governorate and the Republic of Yemen (Almahra) and is likely to further intensify into a category 4 cyclone within the upcoming 24 hours,” stated the alert.

“The direct impact is expected to begin on Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates starting from today night, Sunday October 22nd, with heavy rainfall (50-150) mm with inundated water due to storm surge. The most impact is expected to be on Monday and Tuesday with extremely heavy rainfall (200-500) mm, which will cause wadis and flashfloods and moderate to fresh winds (40- 70 knots) with strong gusts which may lead to the dispersal of loose materials and the falling of trees. The sea is expected to be very rough ranging between (6-12) m. In addition, storm surge might cause sea water inundation over low level coastal areas.”

The Civil Aviation Authority advices everyone to take maximum precautions and not to risk crossing wadis, to avoid low-lying areas and the sea during this period.