Saturday, Jun 05, 2010

Gulf News

Al Ain Tropical cyclone Phet has moved on towards Pakistan yesterday without any major effect on the UAE except sending some clouds, winds and high waves to the eastern coastline.

Some four to six-foot-high waves reached the UAE coastline that pushed water into some low-laying areas. The waves were as high as 13 feet at times in some areas. The major effect of the cyclone was in Oman though the eye of the storm remained over the sea away from the Omani coastline.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) asked people to stay away from the sea and the coastal areas at least for the next 24 hours and be aware of the changing position of the cyclone.

According to meteorologists, the cyclone has weakened, downgrading to the category two but is still powerful enough. It is expected to maintain its force until it hits the Pakistani coastline. The speed of the winds is around 85km/h at the centre of the cyclone.

The NCMS has closely been monitoring the cyclone, issuing warning for the general public at regular intervals. The weather system associated with the Phet yesterday sent high clouds to different parts of the emirates but no rain was reported. Gusty winds, blowing at a speed of 70km/h also hit some areas at times that kicked up dust and sand.

The NCMS has yesterday forecast partly cloudy to cloudy conditions today and tomorrow, especially over eastern and southern areas. Chances of rain also exist and dust blowing winds may follow.

In Kalba the effect of Cyclone Phet was minimal with sea water whipped up by strong winds hitting some streets along the coast.

The UAE rescue team closed down the Fujairah cornice area as a precautionary measure against the Phet tropical cyclone, yesterday.

Captain Raid Al Muhairi, head of the UAE rescue team in Fujairah said that sea water in small quantities hit Sharm area as a result of the sea waves that took place yesterday afternoon.

— With additional reporting from Mohammad N. Al Khan, Staff Reporter

See also Pages 11 & 21

By Aftab Kazmi

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