Oman braces for impact of tropical cyclone, Tej

Image: Oman Meteorology

In light of the weather conditions developing in the Arabian Sea due to the tropical cyclone, Tej, Oman has announced that it is shutting public and private schools until Tuesday, October 24. The Ministry of Education said schools in the Dhofar region will remain closed on October 22 and 23.

According to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) the cyclone will continue to move west-northwestward towards the coasts of Dhofar Governorate and Yemen. It also stated that Tej could intensify into a CAT 4 cyclone.

Authorities have issued an advisory to the public to prepare for heavy rains expected in the coming days.

The country’s state news agency also announced that Salalah port will be temporarily closed from Sunday, October 22, at 5pm (local time).

WARNING (1)
Tropical Cyclone (Tej) pic.twitter.com/CKiM6IbRzA

— الأرصاد العمانية (@OmanMeteorology) October 22, 2023

Heavy rains expected in Oman

The direct impact is expected to begin in Dhofar and Al Wusta on Sunday, October 22.

Wave heights along the coastal areas of South A’Sharqiyah, Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates are expected to range from 2.5 to 4.5 metres.

The CAA also said there were chances of cumulonimbus cloud activity over the Hajar Mountains and adjacent areas, with chances of occasional thunderstorms accompanied by active downward winds and flow of valleys and reefs.

⚠️تنبيه
تستمر اليوم (الأحد)فرص نشاط السحب الركامية على جبال الحجر والمناطق المجاورة لهامع فرص هطول أمطار رعدية أحيانًا مصحوبة برياح هابطة نشطة وجريان الأودية والشعاب pic.twitter.com/ZD2BFhQk42

— الأرصاد العمانية (@OmanMeteorology) October 22, 2023

The UAE Embassy in Muscat has called on its citizens in Oman to be cautious over unstable weather conditions caused by the tropical cyclone.

While the weather disturbance will have no direct impact on the UAE, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) department said the flow of moisture from the Arabian Sea eastward and southward will result in the formation of cumulus clouds that are accompanied by rain that will be felt in some parts of the country until Tuesday, October 24.