Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, has experienced numerous powerful storms throughout its history. The country’s unique geographical position makes it susceptible to tropical cyclones, which can cause widespread devastation.
This article explores the 10 biggest storms to ever hit Oman, highlighting their impact on the nation.
From ancient cyclones to more recent events, each storm has left a lasting mark on Oman’s landscape and its people.
1. Cyclone Gonu (2007)
Cyclone Gonu was an extremely powerful storm that hit Oman in June 2007. It is recognized as the strongest cyclone ever recorded in the Arabian Sea.
With winds reaching over 120 miles per hour, Gonu caused widespread devastation.
Flooding and heavy rains damaged infrastructure and homes, particularly in coastal areas.
Cyclone Gonu left a lasting impact with US$ 4 billion in damage and 50 fatalities. The storm’s intensity led to significant evacuations and widespread disruption.
2. Cyclone Phet (2010)
Cyclone Phet struck Oman in June 2010. Developing over the Arabian Sea on May 31, it quickly gained strength due to favorable environmental conditions. It reached its peak intensity on June 2 with winds of 155 km/h (95 mph).
Phet made landfall on June 4 near the southeastern coast of Oman. At this point, it had weakened to a Category 1 storm.
This cyclone caused significant damage in Oman and surrounding regions.
The storm impacted areas like Masirah Island and Dhofar Governorate.
Heavy rains led to flooding, which caused disruptions and damage.
Fortunately, the worst effects were mitigated by successful early warnings and emergency preparations.
3. Cyclone Mekunu (2018)
Cyclone Mekunu struck Oman in May 2018 with unprecedented strength. It became the strongest storm to hit Oman’s Dhofar Governorate since 1959.
As it formed on May 21, Mekunu developed rapidly and reached its peak intensity on May 25.
The storm brought heavy rain, with some areas receiving three years’ worth of rainfall in just a single day.
Roads were torn apart, and infrastructure was severely damaged.
Mekunu impacted not only Oman but also neighboring Yemen, causing significant casualties and severe damage.
Mekunu made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane-equivalent storm, leading to the death of at least 13 people.
The advance warnings and mobilization efforts by local authorities helped mitigate the disaster’s impact.
The storm’s effects were felt across the Arabian Peninsula, with flooding and destruction highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness.
4. Cyclone Hikaa (2019)
Cyclone Hikaa was a significant weather event for Oman. Forming on September 22, 2019, Hikaa quickly intensified and struck eastern Oman, near Duqm, just two days later.
The storm brought heavy rainfall, reaching up to 80 mm (3.1 in).
Wind speeds peaked at 80 mph, contributing to its classification as a very severe cyclonic storm.
Hikaa was rare for its time, as such storms seldom affect the Arabian Peninsula.
Its impact was felt in the form of strong winds and significant rainfall, which caused disruptions and flooding in the affected areas.
5. Cyclone Luban (2018)
Cyclone Luban was a very severe cyclonic storm that impacted Oman and Yemen in October 2018. It was part of the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.
Luban formed on October 6 in the central Arabian Sea and traveled west-northwest.
By October 10, it was upgraded by the India Meteorological Department, indicating its increasing strength.
The cyclone had maximum sustained winds near 75 knots. It was forecast to maintain its strength while moving towards the Arabian Peninsula.
Luban eventually made landfall, bringing heavy rains and strong winds, causing significant damage.
6. Cyclone Shaheen (2021)
Cyclone Shaheen made landfall in October 2021, impacting Oman and Iran. It was the first cyclone in more than 130 years to hit northeast Oman directly.
The storm caused heavy rain and strong winds, leading to severe flooding along Oman’s northern coast.
At least 13 people lost their lives due to the cyclone’s effects.
Oman had not faced a cyclone this intense since Cyclone Gonu in 2007.
Flights were delayed, streets were flooded, and many coastal areas had to evacuate, highlighting the storm’s devastating impact.
7. Cyclone Ashobaa (2015)
Cyclone Ashobaa struck Oman in June 2015. It caused heavy flooding across the region. The storm led to significant damage and disruptions.
By June 10, NASA had observed powerful storms within Ashobaa. Despite not reaching hurricane strength, it created major challenges.
Flooding persisted even as the cyclone weakened. In the days following, rescue operations were critical.
8. Tropical Storm Keila (2011)
Tropical Storm Keila struck Oman in early November 2011. Keila formed in the western Arabian Sea in late October and reached peak intensity near Oman’s coast on November 2.
The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region.
Roads were flooded, and parked vehicles were swept away. Hospitals had to evacuate due to the storm’s impact.
Keila caused significant damage and disruption.
Reports indicate that at least 14 people lost their lives, and around 200 others were injured.
9. Cyclone Nanauk (2014)
Cyclone Nanauk approached Oman in June 2014. This tropical cyclone was closely monitored by weather forecasters as it moved northwest toward the country’s shores.
Although it promised to bring heavy rainfall and severe winds, the brunt of its force was weakened.
The Southwest Monsoon intervened, bringing very dry Middle Eastern air into the storm’s core, causing it to weaken significantly before landfall.
Despite Nanauk’s diminished strength, it still brought notable weather changes to Oman.
These included increased humidity and some rainfall, affecting local weather patterns during its approach.
Heavy dust storms were also reported during this period.
10. Cyclone Nilofar (2014)
Cyclone Nilofar struck Oman in late October 2014. It was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded in the Arabian Sea. Winds reached speeds between 205 km/h (125 mph) and 215 km/h (130 mph).
The storm brought heavy rainfall and severe flooding. This affected wadis near the coast. Coastal areas experienced significant damage due to the intense wind and rain.
The India Meteorological Department named the cyclone Nilofar. The name refers to the water lily. It was suggested by Pakistan.
Meteorological Impact
Cyclones that hit Oman are known for their high wind speeds, heavy rainfall, and significant atmospheric pressure changes. Each of these factors contributes to the storms’ intensity and impact on the region.
Wind Speed and Direction
Cyclones like Gonu and Shaheen bring extremely high winds.
For instance, Cyclone Gonu had winds reaching up to 145 mph.
Wind direction often shifts rapidly, causing widespread structural damage.
These cyclones typically start with easterly winds that turn more northerly as the storm progresses.
The oscillation in wind speeds can uproot trees and damage buildings.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall during these storms is intense and often leads to severe flooding.
Cyclones can bring over 100 mm of rain in a single day.
This high volume of rainfall overwhelms drainage systems.
Cyclone Mekunu in 2018 caused flash floods due to 617 mm of rain falling in some areas.
The torrential downpour can cut off communities and destroy infrastructure.
Atmospheric Pressure Changes
Cyclones cause significant drops in atmospheric pressure, which is a hallmark of their intensity.
As the storm’s eye approaches, pressure can drop to below 950 hPa.
This rapid change can affect human health and mechanical operations.
Low pressure at the core of Cyclone Shaheen caused storm surges that inundated coastal areas, amplifying the storm’s destructive potential.
Historical Weather Patterns
Oman experiences a variety of weather patterns that vary greatly depending on the season and region. Its climatic behavior can be linked to both local geographical features and broader regional influences.
Seasonal Variations
Oman has distinct seasons with significant variations in temperature and precipitation.
The summer months, typically from May to September, are characterized by intense heat, particularly in the interior regions where temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F).
Coastal areas tend to be more humid but slightly cooler.
Winter, from October to April, brings milder temperatures, with averages ranging between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F).
Rainfall is generally scarce but more frequent in the northern and mountainous areas.
The Dhofar region experiences the annual Khareef (monsoon) season, particularly around Salalah, bringing refreshing rain and cooler temperatures from June to September.
Comparative Analysis with Neighboring Regions
When comparing Oman’s weather patterns with its neighboring regions, notable differences and similarities emerge.
For instance, the Arabian Peninsula, including countries like Saudi Arabia and Yemen, shares similar hot and dry summer conditions. However, Yemen’s higher altitudes and varying topography result in more substantial rainfalls throughout the year.
Moreover, the Persian Gulf coastline influences Oman differently than other Gulf nations due to Oman’s unique landscape that ranges from deserts to mountains.
This diversity results in localized weather phenomena that are less common in other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. The Khareef season in Dhofar is an example of such a unique climatic event, markedly different from the arid conditions typically seen in surrounding regions.