Oman: Salalah Airport to close May 25 due to Cyclone Mekunu /update 1

Event

Cyclone Mekunu is forecast to make landfall near Salalah (Dhofar province) late on Friday, May 25 (local time), or early Saturday, May 26, bringing high winds, heavy rain, and consequent flash flooding and hazardous surf conditions. Mekunu is forecast to make landfall with winds equivalent to a Category 1 or 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, i.e. with maximum sustained winds of 119-177 km/h (74-110 mph). The cyclone may drop up to 25 cm (10 in) of rainfall from Thursday through Monday; some areas may receive higher rainfall totals. Landslides and power outages may occur. Material damages are expected and consequent casualties cannot be ruled out.

Salalah International Airport (SLL) will be closed for at least 24 hours, beginning at 00:01 on May 25, according to the Omani Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA). Residual flight disruptions are to be anticipated once operations resume. Additional transportation disruptions are also to be expected in affected areas in the coming days.

Advice

Individuals present in Oman are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities, and confirm flight reservations. In the event of flooding, remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.