Severe Cyclonic Storm “Hikaa” about to hit Oman with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain

Tropical Cyclone "Hikaa" is expected to cross Oman coast close to Duqm around 15:00 UTC on September 24, 2019 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed 110 – 120 km/h (68 – 75  mph) and gusts to 135 km/h (85 mph), according to RSMC New Delhi.

Storm surge of 1.5 – 2 m (5 – 6.5 feet) above astronomical tide is likely to inundate the low lying areas of Masirah Island and coastal Oman near landfall point.

Tropical Cyclone "Hikaa" on September 24, 2019. Credit: NASA Terra/MODIS

Hikaa's maximum sustained winds at 09:00 UTC were 140 km/h (85 mph) with gusts to 160 km/h (100 mph).

The outer band of the system has already entered the land and Hikaa is already interacting with the land surface.

Featured image credit: Tropical Cyclone "Hikaa" on September 24, 2019. Credit: NASA Terra/MODIS