MUSCAT : Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Wednesday issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall expected to affect several parts of the Sultanate from Thursday evening, raising the risk of flash floods, strong winds and rough sea conditions.

The warning, classified as Alert No. 2, will be in effect from 6 p.m. on Thursday until 6 p.m. on Friday, according to the authority.

The CAA said Musandam Governorate is expected to experience heavy rainfall on Thursday, with accumulated precipitation ranging between 20 and 60 millimetres, accompanied at times by active downdraft winds that could lead to the flow of wadis and valleys.

Rainfall is forecast to gradually extend to Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah and parts of Al Dakhiliyah governorates, with amounts ranging from 10 to 40 millimetres from Thursday evening through Friday evening, the authority said.

The warning also cited the possibility of scattered rainfall over North and South Al Sharqiyah and parts of Al Wusta, which could occasionally result in localised wadi flows.

The CAA warned of strong downdraft winds with speeds ranging between 15 and 35 knots, gusting up to 64 km per hour, and said sea wave heights along the coasts of Musandam and the Sea of Oman could range between 2 and 3.5 metres. Horizontal visibility may also be reduced during periods of heavy rainfall.

The authority urged the public to exercise caution, avoid crossing wadis, stay away from low-lying areas and refrain from going to sea during the warning period, stressing the need to follow official updates and safety instructions.

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