Severe weather warning issued in south Oman as Hikaa upgrades to cyclone

Cyclone Hikaa, previously thought to be weakening, was upgraded from a tropical storm. (NASA)

• Cyclone Hikaa was previously thought to be weakened into a ‘deep depression’ before reaching land
• ‘Heavy and intense’ rainfall is expected to hit the low coastal areas

DUBAI: A severe weather warning has been issued in southern Oman as Cyclone Hikaa approaches the coast, bringing with it a heightened risk of flash floods and strong winds late Tuesday.

It was previously thought that Hikaa would grow no stronger than a tropical storm, weakening to a deep depression before reaching land.

But an Omani meteorological spokesman said the storm had been upgraded to a cyclone, which would hit Al Wusta and South Sharqiyah in southern Oman, at about 7pm on Tuesday, Sept. 24 until Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Winds are expected to reach up to 148kph, hitting low coastal areas the worst.

There will also be an increased risk of “heavy and intense” rainfall of up to 50-90 mm, increasing the risk of flash floods in the area.