Cyclone Shaheen approaches Oman

Residents urged to evacuate coastal areas and authorities delay flights to and from capital Muscat.

Tropical Cyclone Shaheen is bearing down on Oman, prompting authorities to delay flights to and from the capital and to urge residents to evacuate coastal areas.

The eye of the storm was approaching the capital Muscat on Sunday, surrounded by top winds of about 139km/h (86 mph).

The cyclone is expected to “directly impact north Al-Batinah, Al Dhahira, Al Buraimi and Al Dakhliya”, a statement by the country’s weather agency said on Sunday.