Yemen/Oman: Cyclonic Storm Luban to bring heavy rains October 12-14 /update 1

Event

As of Wednesday, October 10, Cyclonic Storm Luban is forecast to make landfall in eastern Yemen (east-northeast of Al-Mukalla) overnight (local time) from Saturday, October 13, to Sunday, October 14. The storm, located some 552 km (343 mi) east-southeast of Salalah as of Wednesday afternoon, is moving west-northwestward at 7 km/h (5 mph) and is packing maximum sustained winds of 139 km/h (86 mph). Heavy rainfall is forecast and consequent flooding and landslides are possible on Socotra from Thursday, October 11, into Saturday. Heavy rainfall of up to 25 cm (10 in) may also affect parts of southern and eastern Yemen (i.e. Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah provinces) from through Sunday, and rainfall totals of over 10 cm (4 in) are possible in southern Oman (i.e. Dhofar province) from late on Friday, October 12, through Sunday. Continuing rainfall is possible in Yemen, southern Oman, and southern Saudi Arabia as the storm weakens over the Arabian Peninsula through Tuesday, October 16.

Consequent flash flooding and landslides, as well as transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations) and power outages, are possible in affected areas

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation notices). Remember 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 can contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.