Jun 13, (Emirates 247): Tropical storm Ashobaa has weakened to a tropical depression, according to UAE's National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), reported Wam.

In a statement issued on Friday, the NCMS said the latest satellite imagery and observations, in addition to weather reports from the main regional centers, indicate that tropical storm Ashobaa has been downgraded to a tropical depression, as surface wind speeds decrease gradually around the centre of the storm to 37 to 61 kilometers per hour.

The centre also said the latest weather forecast charts suggested the tropical system would gradually weaken during the next 12 hours, while approaching the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, accompanied by heavy rains and significant winds in these areas.

Further, the Sea of Oman will continue to be rough for the next 48 hours along the east coast of the UAE, with clouds formations expected over these areas. (WAM)

EARLIER REPORT:

Hail, thunderstorms in Oman; UAE warns of waterlogging in Kalba 

Strong gale winds and heavy rainfall has ripped across Oman's eastern coastline, with some parts of the country experiencing hail storms, even as Ashobaa has been downgraded from a Tropical Storm to a Deep Depression.

The UAE experienced its own waterlogging as Fujairah corniche and part of the low lying area of Kalba in Sharjah remained under water, with authorities forced to partially close road access to the areas.

According to the 5am (UAE time) forecast issued by the Oman Meteorological department, the weather system lay approximately 100kms from the Southern Al Sharqiyah coast, with its connective band of rain clouds already crossed the country's coastline.

"Latest weather charts have indicate the system will cross Masirah Island on Friday evening, assosciated with heavy rainfall and strong gale winds," stated the Oman Met office, adding: "The direct impacts of the deep depression are e expected to be over the Governorate of Southern Al Sarqiya and Al Wusta during the next 48 hours.