MUSCAT: With heavy rains expected in Muscat and other parts of the country in the coming hours and on Saturday, motorists have been urged to drive safe and stay away from flowing wadis and low-lying areas.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the Civil Aviation Authority warned that heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms will continue in most parts of the country in the coming hours. “Rains will continue between 30mm to 120mm during the night and on Saturday, July 17, 2021 on most of the governorates of the Sultanate, and the intensity of the rain is concentrated on the governorates of Dhofar, Musandam and North Al Sharqiya And South Al Sharqiah, South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah and Muscat,” CAA said in the statement.

For the second consecutive day, heavy rains lashed the Sultanate, throwing life out of gear in many parts of the country.

According to Civil Defence and Ambulances Authority (CDAA), its rescue teams have rescued 31 families who were struck in Bilad region in Sur. “They have been transferred to safe places, and provide support and shelter, in cooperation with the relief and shelter sector in the governorate,” CDAA said.

On Friday, hours before the movement ban began, traffic was thrown out of gear, several roads were flooded, and motorists were stranded.

The heavy downpour turned several roads into ‘water ponds’. CDAA urged motorists to be cautious while driving through the flooded roads.