Oman braces for cyclonic storm Hikka, no direct impact on UAE

A cyclonic storm named 'Hikka' is gaining strength in the Arabian Sea and is expected to make a landfall in Oman on Wednesday.

According to a release issued by Oman's Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) and published on their Twitter handle, the tropical storm Hikka is expected to to hit South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta Governorates with heavy wind and rain.

The civil aviation authority has also announced that the tropical storm has been upgraded to a first degree hurricane.

"The tropical storm Hikaa has deepened into a first-degree hurricane and the wind rotating speeds around the center of the storm range between 65 and 70 knots, "PACA said in a statement quote by Times of Oman.

"Landfall is expected to be between South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta today evening," the statement added.

The Royal Oman Police have also warned people take proper precaution and to stay away from low areas and avoid crossing wadis.

No impact in UAE

Meanwhile, the National Centre of Meteorology, NCM, said the storm will not have any direct impact on the UAE.

The NCM said that the tropical storm is moving with a wind speed of 70-85kmph, and is likely to continue westwards with speed of 80-90kmph over the next 48 hours.

This will result in "sea water surge over the Eastern coast with high tide period, especially on Wednesday morning", the NCM said on Twitter.