Tuesday’s heavy rains, thunderstorms and gust caused severe damages in North Al Batinah, especially in Saham. The wilayat incurred significant damages to public and private properties as well as vehicles.
According to the Met Office weather forecaster, Saham received the highest amount of rainfall, while Khaboura experienced strong winds. It was the combination of rain, strong wind and gust that caused the damage.
All the wadis in North Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliya and Al Sharqiyah are overflowing. The Met Office has also alerted sea enthusiasts and fishermen not to venture into the sea during thunderstorms as downdraft could cause high waves.
Clouds are developing over Al Hajar Mountains since Wednesday afternoon. The weather expert said by evening, it is expected to reach the coastal areas of Al Batinah and Muscat.
Cloud advection continued over most of the Sultanate with chance of convective clouds development and rain occasionally thundershowers associated with fresh downdraft winds and hail over Musandam, Dhofar, Al Hajar Mountains and adjoining areas towards afternoon and extend to the coastal areas of Sea of Oman.
Along the coastal areas of Sea of Oman, winds will be northeasterly light to moderate during day, becoming variable light at night, and over the rest of the Sultanate, winds will be southerly to southeasterly light to moderate occasionally fresh changing during the evening to northwesterly moderate over Al Buraimi and Al Dhahirah. The Met Office warned there would be very strong winds.
Thursday's weather forecast states that it is expected to be mainly clear skies with a chance of convective clouds development and rain occasionally thundershower over Dhofar, Al Hajar Mountains and adjoining mountains towards afternoon and may extend to the coastal areas of Sea of Oman. There is also a chance for late night low-level clouds and fog along most of the coastal areas.
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