Tropical Cyclone ASNA to deviate from Oman coast: Director General of Met

Muscat: According to Abdullah bin Rashid Al-Khadouri, Director General of Meteorology at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Tropical Cyclone Asna is expected to veer southward towards the southwest when it reaches the gateway to the Sea of Oman tomorrow, avoiding a direct impact on the Sultanate’s coasts.

The latest report from the CAA indicates that current satellite imagery and analyses from the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center show the cyclone’s center is located northeast of the Arabian Sea at coordinates 23.5 N latitude and 65.0 E longitude, approximately 635 kilometers from Ras al Hadd. Wind speeds around the cyclone’s center are estimated between 35 and 45 knots, with the nearest rain-bearing cloud mass situated about 280 kilometers from Ras al Hadd.

The storm is anticipated to continue its westward movement towards the Oman Sea over the next 24 hours before shifting south/southwest in the following 48 hours, gradually dissipating away from the South Al Sharqiyah coast. From Sunday evening through Monday, September 1-2, 2024, varying intensity rainfall ranging from 10 to 30 mm is expected to affect the governorates of South Sharqiyah, North Sharqiyah, Muscat, and parts of Al Wusta. This could lead to wadi flow.

The impact of the cyclone is expected to diminish by Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024. Rainfall intensity could reach 30 to 100 mm, potentially leading to significant wadi flow. Additionally, fresh winds between 15 and 30 knots (28-55 km/h) are forecasted, with rough sea conditions along the Oman Sea and Arabian Sea coasts, where wave heights may range from 3 to 5 meters.

There is also a possibility of seawater inundation in low-lying coastal areas and creeks. The Civil Aviation Authority advises the public to exercise caution during rainfall and potential flash floods, check visibility and sea conditions before sailing, and stay updated with weather bulletins and reports.