Muscat – With heavy rainfall predicted in several parts of Oman on Thursday, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has urged all to exercise maximum caution.

The latest weather maps and analysis of the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre show that heavy rains are expected from afternoon until late evening in Musandam, Buraimi, Dakhliyah, North and South Batinah, Dhahirah, North Sharqiyah, and Dhofar governorates.

In a statement, CAA said, ‘Heavy rains are expected on Thursday – estimated to be in the range of 20mm to 50mm – while downdraft wind with speed ranging between 20 and 45 knots could lead to overflowing of wadis.’

The Arabian Sea will be rough along the coast with maximum wave height of 4.5m and slight to moderate along the coast in other parts with maximum wave height of 1.75m.

The Directorate General of Meteorology has advised individuals to avoid low-lying areas and wadi streams, urging them to take maximum precaution, stay alert, avoid the sea and follow weather bulletins and reports. It also called for children to not to be left alone when it rains and to prevent them from approaching water ponds and wadi streams.