The Saudi General Authority of Meteorology and Environment Protection (GAMEP) said the latest satellite images show that the tropical cyclone Mekunu in the Arabian Sea became a second-class cyclone and is expected to move north to northwest in the early hours of Saturday.

The storm eye is away from Saudi Arabia by about 350 kilometers with the wind speed around the center of the hurricane ranging between 157 and 167 km/h.

The tropical situation in Oman and the Republic of Yemen is likely to change, according to a GAMEP statement carried by SPA on Friday night.

As the cyclone has turned into a tropical storm, it may affect parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, starting from the dawn on Saturday to next Tuesday.

Southern parts of the eastern desert of the Rubu al-khali (the Empty Quarter) and the Eastern parts of Najran will be affected by torrential rains that may lead to flash floods and active winds of up to 75 km/h, in addition to dusty weather.

GAMEP called on everyone to follow up new reports on the situation, which may change course in the coming days, through the daily weather reports and alerts issued by the early warning system on the official website and the means of social communication. 

News Source: KUNA