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Oman News

Oman braces for heavy rain, hail and strong winds until March 23

Civil Aviation Authority warns of flash floods, strong winds and reduced visibility across multiple governorates.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Sunday, March 22, 2026

MUSCAT — Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a weather alert warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across large parts of the Sultanate from Sunday night through Monday, with conditions expected to range from moderate to high impact.

According to the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center, the alert comes into effect from 10:00 p.m. on Sunday until 10:00 p.m. on Monday, as a continuing weather system drives unstable atmospheric conditions across the country.

Authorities said heavy thunderstorms are likely to persist during the period, accompanied by hail and strong downdraft winds due to active cloud formations.

The impact is expected to extend across several governorates, including Muscat, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, North and South Al Sharqiyah, North and South Al Batinah, Musandam, Al Buraimi, and Al Wusta.

The overall impact level has been classified as “moderate to high,” with authorities warning of potential flash floods in wadis, particularly during intense downpours.

Wind speeds during thunderstorm activity are expected to range between 15 and 50 knots (28–92 km/h), which may lead to hazardous conditions, including reduced horizontal visibility.

Meanwhile, Dhofar governorate is forecast to experience isolated rainfall with a chance of thunderstorms, with a lower impact level ranging from “low to moderate.”

The CAA has urged residents to take precautionary measures, including avoiding crossing flooded wadis, staying away from low-lying areas, and refraining from sea activities during the alert period.

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