East coast braced for flooding as Cyclone Maha grows in strength

The east coast of the UAE is expected to escape the brunt of a cyclone reaching wind speeds of up to 170 kilometres per hour as the storm races across the Arabian Sea.

Weather experts in the UAE are closely monitoring the path of Cyclone Maha, which is expected to be upgraded to a category three storm.

A warning was issued yesterday by the UAE Crisis Authority about the risk of flooding and high winds as the storm strengthens.

“We have been tracking the cyclone as we expect it to develop into a category three,” said Majed Al Shkeili, head of the marine division at the National Centre of Meteorology.

“Landfall is likely to be in the north-west of India and is expected by November 6 to 7.

“There is some fluctuation and uncertainty, but for now there is no direct impact from this cyclone on the UAE.

“It will likely be only a water surge on the east coast, which is common during a tropical storm or cyclone in the Arabian Sea.”

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said low-lying areas of the east coast were most at risk from a storm surge.

Waves are likely to increase in height and a high tide will add to the potential dangers.

The public have been advised to stay clear of the shoreline for the duration of the stormy period, which is likely to continue into tomorrow.

Coastal areas such as Khor Fakkan and Fujairah are most likely to be affected.

Storm surges are usually worse when there is a high tide and a full Moon.

Although the Moon is currently in its first quarter, Maha is the second cyclone to threaten the UAE in a week.

There was flooding in lowlying areas in Sharjah and Fujairah on October 29 as a result of heavy rain swept in by Cyclone Kyarr.

Some roads were also flooded, causing disruption for drivers in what was the strongest cyclone to hit the UAE in a decade as winds reached 240kph.

Maha will bring a large sea swell with bigger waves than normal but the rest of the UAE is unlikely to feel any effect.

Gujarat in north-west India is likely to take the full brunt of heavy rains.

“Landfall for this cyclone will not be in the UAE or anywhere on the Arabian Peninsular,” said Mr Al Shkeili.

“If people are on the east coast, they should take extra care. We are expecting it to have moved on by Wednesday.”