Muscat – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a warning for heavy rains and thunderstorms on most parts of Oman till Wednesday. The downpour may lead to some areas witnessing rains between 30mm to 80mm.

On Monday, thunderstorms and rain were reported over the mountainous areas of the governorates of North Batinah, South Batinah, Buraimi, Dhahirah, Dakhliyah, North Sharqiyah and South Sharqiyah, besides some areas along the plains and deserts of Dhahirah, Dakhliyah and North Sharqiyah.

According to the CAA, the effects of the second wave of depression coming from northern India will begin on Tuesday and Wednesday. ‘This will gradually lead to the flow of convective clouds and rain of varying intensity on the governorates of North Sharqiyah, South Sharqiyah, Muscat, Al Wusta, North Batinah, South Batinah, Buraimi, Dhahirah and Dakhliyah.’

The weather disturbances may lead to rains – ranging from 30mm to 80mm – and overflowing wadis on Tuesday and Wednesday. ‘It is expected that active downward winds will blow between 50km per hour to 80km per hour, which may lead to uprooting of unstable objects and a decrease in horizontal visibility,’ it stated.

The sea will be rough along the entire coastline of Oman, with waves reaching a maximum height of 4m on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) underlined preventive measures during rains to avoid the dangers of drowning, such as avoiding crossing flooded wadis, standing under trees and using telephones and electrical appliances, in addition to not leaving the safety of homes unless absolutely necessary.

‘Stay away from electricity poles, avoid touching metal objects, and keep an eye on children and don’t allow them to approach flooded areas,’ a CDAA statement said, also urging people to follow official weather forecasts.

Royal Oman Police called on everyone to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to secure their property and to stay away from places that are prone to the flow of wadis due to the heavy thunderstorms during the coming days.

The ROP also called on motorists not to risk crossing valleys during the rains.