Yemen/Oman: Cyclone Luban set to make landfall October 14 /update 2

Event

Cyclone Luban continues to move westward toward the Arabian Peninsula on Saturday, October 13, with an estimated landfall on Sunday, October 14. Luban is predicted to make landfall in Yemen, near eastern Hadramaut governorate, bringing strong winds, high surf, and heavy rain to the region. Its effects are likely to be felt across eastern Yemen and border regions of Oman, including Salalah and Dhofar governorate, with rain of up to 25 cm (10 in) in parts of southern and eastern Yemen (e.g. Hadramaut and Al-Mahrah governorates) . Coastal flooding is possible along with dangerous mudslides and flash flooding, even at large distances from rainfall. The storm will likely pass north of Socotra but still bring dangerous surf to the north coast of the island. 

As of noon (local time) on Saturday, the storm is located 135 km (84 mi) from Mukalla (Yemen) and producing sustained winds of 83 km/h (52 mph). Luban is forecast to strengthen just before landfall to a Severe Cyclonic Storm with sustained winds of 102 km/h (63 mph), or the equivalent of an Atlantic tropical storm.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate heavy rain, strong winds, associated flooding, and power and transportation disruptions, avoid low-lying areas, including wadis, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that flash flooding and debris flows can occur at large distances from rainfall and that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and floodwaters may contain wastewater and chemical products.