UAE on alert as tropical storm hits Arabian Sea; 'indirect' impact expected

Safety guidelines will be provided to the public through the country's official channels and sources

Web Desk

Published: Sat 31 Aug 2024, 10:36 AM

Last updated: Sun 1 Sep 2024, 12:40 PM

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said the tropical storm that made landfall on the Arabian Sea is expected to be downgraded into a tropical depression within the next six hours.

The tropical depression is expected to move towards the southwestern part of the country, noted the weather department.

At 11.15am, wind speed dropped to 60kmph from 70kmph, and is expected to drop further at 45kmph within the next six hours.

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UAE authorities on Saturday were monitoring the tropical storm that made landfall on the Arabian Sea. Initial readings indicate that the severe weather conditions won't directly impact the country, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said on Saturday.

"Rough seas and some seawater may reach certain coastal areas, without any signs that might affect other areas of the country," said NCEMA as it held a meeting with the Joint Assessment Team to discuss contingency plans and ensure public safety.

Safety guidelines will be provided to the public through the country's official channels and sources, NCEMA said.

At 11.30am on Saturday, the storm was bringing winds of 60 to 80kmph as it moves towards the west, the NCM added.

While the Met department stressed that the storm's impact on the UAE would be indirect, it said cloud movement from the sea could trigger some rainfall in the eastern and southern regions.

Residents are warned against spreading rumours about the weather situation and urged to rely only on official sources of information.

The Oman Sea and Arabian Gulf are expected to be rough, and sea levels may rise along some eastern coast beaches during high tide on Sunday and Monday.

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