Tropical storm heading towards Sultanate

The latest tropical depression that has formed in the Arabian Sea is moving towards the Sultanate as per current indicators, officials at Oman Meteorology have said.

The latest numerical weather predictions show movement of the system towards northwest with the possibility of further intensification into a deep depression and later into a tropical storm in the next 48 hours, said the Met Office statement.

“It is too early to be precise on its trajectory as it could change course,” said the official, adding it will not have any direct impact on Oman in the next three days.

The National Multi-hazard Early Warning Centre said it has observed the formation of a tropical depression southeast of Arabian Sea on Saturday with maximum wind speeds of 17 to 27 knots per hour (31-50km/hr) around the centre. It is located at latitude 67.5 E and longitude 11.7 N about 1,550 km from Oman coast. The centre has urged the public to follow its weather bulletins.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) said in one of its updates: “Friday’s low pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea and the neighbouring areas have become wellmarked and lie centred over southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea on Saturday morning.”

“It is very likely to concentrate into a depression and move northwestwards in the next 24 hours. It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and move towards Oman coast thereafter,” it said.

IT IS TOO EARLY TO BE PRECISE ON ITS

TRAJECTORY AS IT COULD CHANGE COURSE