Cyclone Hikaa after spending decent amount of time in the Arabian Sea, crossed Oman coast as a very severe cyclonic storm around 8:30 PM IST yesterday close to Duqm.
The system pounded Oman with heavy rains and very strong winds wherein the wind speed was about 100 kmph gusting up to 120 kmph.
In view of the Cyclone, a family of seven was rescued by a group of Omanis right after they were trapped due to heavy rains. No casualty was reported until now. Masirah which was one of the worst sufferers also did not have any individual or group needing shelter. In addition to this, no damage to property was reported.
After its landfall, Hikaa weakened into a severe cyclone, soon after which it also weakened into a Tropical Cyclone.
The system in the morning remained as Cyclone centred 19.6 degrees North, 5.9 degrees East and about 180 km west of Duqm. In another 6 hours or so, Hikaa will weaken into a depression, and subsequent six hours, will become a well marked low pressure area while moving eastwards.
After crossing coast, Hikaa underwent through a rapid weakening process because dry air of land started wrapping into the circulation of storm therefore decaying its configuration. Thus, it will continue to dissipate as it moves into land.
However, the system is expected to result in some rains over Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Image Credit: JTWC
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