The Oman Airports Authority stated on its official Twitter account that it has decided to postpone and reschedule flights to and from Muscat International Airport until Sunday evening or further notice due to Tropical Storm Shaheen. On Sunday, Omani authorities announced that Cyclone Shaheen is approaching the Sultanate’s shores, located 80 km from the capital, Muscat, with wind speeds of 139 km/h and wave heights of 12 meters.
The Shaheen Cyclone Center indicated that heavy rainfall is expected, ranging between 200 to 500 mm, which could lead to flash floods in valleys and riverbeds. In the evening hours, the tropical system is expected to cross between the Wilayats of Barka and Saham between 5 and 8 PM local time.
The authorities in Oman have urged thousands of residents in coastal areas to evacuate their homes and head to emergency shelters as the Sultanate prepares for the intensification of Tropical Storm Shaheen into a Category 1 tropical cyclone. The Omani National Committee for Emergency Management has called for evacuation operations in the northern regions of Barka and Saham, as well as coastal areas, including parts of the capital, Muscat, where strong winds and heavy rains are anticipated.
The Omani Civil Aviation Authority also expects the storm Shaheen to intensify and transform into a Category 1 tropical cyclone within 24 hours, predicting rising sea waves and urging citizens to steer clear of low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding.
