Oman Met Office of Civil Aviation has issued guidelines for mitigating and reducing the risks during thunderstorms, cumulative clouds and thunderstorms continued on Thursday evening -- accompanied by active winds and hail -- over the governorates of Al Buraimi, North and South Al Batinah.
On Thursday, thunderstorms of varying intensity -- accompanied by active winds were experienced in the governorates of North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi and parts of Muscat with the continued formation of clouds over the Al Hajar Mountains and the adjacent areas, and chances of scattered thunder rain.
The campaign on risk mitigation during thunderstorms states to postpone outside activities unless necessary. According to the guidelines it is best to stay away from glass bases and metal doors, and avoid phones unless absolutely necessary.
To avoid being struck by lightning it is better to be in a crouching position.
Lightning strikes can cause fire so have appropriate means and equipment that are capable of extinguishing fires. The experts urge the public to follow the weather forecast, as well as pointed out that it is best to move immediately to the nearest building or car in order to secure a safe place.
“It is extremely important to avoid standing under trees, telephone or electricity poles. Lying on the ground increases the risk of a fatal lightning strike,” state the campaign on social media.
The advisory also requests the public to avoid working or standing in high areas such as hills.
Meanwhile, the satellite image from the Civil Aviation Authority showed flow of clouds over the governorates of Musandam, North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi.
There was also presence of low clouds on the coasts of the Arabian Sea (the coasts of the governorates of South Al Sharqiyah, Al Wusta and Dhofar).
According to the Met Office, cloud activity continues over the Al Hajar mountains and the adjacent areas, and extends to the coastal areas of the Sea of Oman, with continued chances of scattered rain, sometimes thunderstorms, accompanied by active winds.
They said continuous formation of cumulus clouds gave chances of scattered rain and thunderstorms at times in parts of North and South Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, and North Al Sharqiyah.
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