Oman weather: Hikaa less than 100 km away from Masirah

Cyclone Hikaa is now less than 100 kilometres away from Masirah Island, according to the Public Authority for Civil Aviation.

A statement by PACA read: "The latest predictions from the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre show Hikaa west of the Arab Sea. The current wind speed around the centre of the cyclone ranges between 65-70 knots (120-130 km/h). The cyclone is around 80 kilometres away from Masirah Island and the closest cloud cluster to the Island is 30 kilometres away from it."

"The Public Authority for Civil Aviation asks everyone to take the highest level of precautions and to not risk their lives by crossing wadis. They should stay away from low areas and from the sea during this time," the statement added.

The cyclone is expected to hit Oman this evening.

"The cyclone continues moving towards the coasts of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, it is expected to pass between Masirah and Ras Madrakah between 3PM and 7 PM this evening.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected, between 60 millimeters and 100 millimeters, which will lead to wadis running, along with extremely fast winds of between 55 and 66 knots.

"Roiling waves are expected along the coasts of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, with a maximum height between 4-6 metres, with the chance of seawater spilling into low coastal areas," according to the statement.