The cold wave and dust storm gripped most parts of the Sultanate of Oman, with motorists reporting low visibility in the affected areas.
In its repeated alerts, Oman Meteorology said, “The flow of clouds and dust over the coastal areas of the Sea of Oman may lead to sporadic rain, low horizontal visibility and a noticeable drop in temperatures.”
While places like Yanqul and Izki reported temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the capital Muscat had maximum temperatures of 19 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius.
“Hazy and clear skies over most of the governorates with moderate to fresh wind causing dust rising over desert and open areas and noticeable drop in temperature’’, the forecast for Sunday said.
The dust winds continue to flow from the south of Iran to the coasts of the Sea of Oman and the Musandam Governorate, the report said.
All through Friday night and early Saturday morning, the Observer received reports of strong winds, including in Muscat, rising water levels at Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront.
Speaking to the Observer, a weather expert said, “The dusty situation will prevail for two days, and people who suffer from respiratory diseases and allergies must be careful, always wear masks and avoid travel unless necessary.”
Due to the rising dust amidst strong winds, motorists using the Adam-Thamrait and Sinaw-Thamrait roads were urged to exercise caution and follow safety measures issued by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
Sand dunes
According to Royal Oman Police, some places in South al Sharqiyah Governorate were affected by the sand dunes on the Al Ashkharah Road towards Wilayat Mahout.
Places in the Al Wusta and Al Dakhiliyah governorates that were affected by the sand dunes on the Adam-Thamrait Road include Qarn al Alam, Seih al Zamaim, Al Khamkham, the Wilayat of Haima and part of Sinaw in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate on the road heading to Mahout.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) in the Al Wusta Governorate carried out a search and rescue operation for some tourists of German nationalities whose vehicle was stuck in a sand dune in the Wilayat of Mahout.
They were safely transferred to the nearest city.
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