Weather Alert – Cyclone Hikaa

U.S. Embassy Muscat, Oman
September 24, 2019

Based on information from the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), U.S. Embassy Muscat advises U.S. citizens that cyclone Hikaa is approximately 200 kms away from Masirah Island.  The cyclone includes heavy rains and winds ranging from 45 to 55 knots and continues to move towards the coastal regions of Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta.  Landfall in Oman is expected on or about this evening on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

We advise U.S. citizens residing in or traveling through Oman to be vigilant, monitor local news reports for updated weather forecasts, ensure they have sufficient food and water for the storm period, take precautions to protect their homes and property, and avoid any unnecessary travel outside of their homes or hotels.  We also recommend that individuals avoid beaches, coastal areas, lowlands, wadis, and streams.  Wadis can be particularly dangerous during storms when flash flooding occurs.  If possible, do not drive through or near affected areas.

The U.S. Embassy is closed on Friday and Saturday (regular weekend), but Embassy staff will be available to provide emergency services, if necessary.  Please call (968) 2464-3400 if you require emergency assistance.

Emergency Contact Information:

The 24-hour emergency phone number for the Royal Oman Police is 9999.  The Embassy’s phone number is (968) 2464-3400.  This phone number is also for after-hours emergencies.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Jameat A’Duwal Al Arabiya Street in the diplomatic area of Shatti al Qurum in the capital city of Muscat. The Embassy is closed on Omani and U.S. holidays.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information for Oman, can be found.

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).