Severe Weather Disrupts Travel and Operations in Kuwait

Kuwait experienced severe weather on Sunday, disrupting flights and port operations. Wind speeds exceeded 70 km/h, leading to rerouted flights and temporary port closures. Improvements are expected, but residents are cautioned about residual conditions.

Severe weather in Kuwait caused major disruptions on Sunday, with heavy winds and dust storms impacting air travel and port operations. Director Dawood Al Jarrah from the Directorate of Air Navigation reported that measures were put in place in response to thunderstorms and winds exceeding 70 km/h, with gusts reaching as high as 85 km/h. The notable drop in visibility, which fell below 300 meters, prompted the rerouting of several incoming flights, including an IndiGo service from Delhi.

In total, three flights were redirected, including those from Assiut and Cairo, which landed in Dammam instead. Meanwhile, an IndiGo flight from Ahmedabad managed to safely touchdown at Kuwait International Airport shortly after 11:41 PM. A Kuwait Airways flight arriving from Dubai also successfully landed against the odds at 11:06 PM, showcasing pilots’ skill under challenging conditions.

Concurrently, operations at Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports were temporarily halted by the Kuwait Ports Authority due to the worsening weather. Winds at more than 82 km/h and visibility issues compelled this decision, emphasizing safety for workers and infrastructure amid the dangerous conditions.

Dharar Al-Ali, Acting Director of the Meteorological Department, advised reporters that satellite imagery had identified a significant dust storm affecting a vast area of Kuwait. Some automatic stations recorded winds exceeding 70 km/h and gusts surpassing 100 km/h, with visibility falling to perilous levels, at times going to zero in certain localities.

Looking ahead, Al-Ali shared some optimism, predicting that conditions would gradually improve over the coming hours. However, he cautioned that dusty weather and light rain might linger into Monday, urging the public to stay alert.

Motorists received directions to exercise extreme caution on highways due to hazardous driving conditions, while those at sea were warned to be mindful of potentially high waves reaching upwards of six feet. A reliance on updates from official channels, particularly through the Meteorology Department’s website and social media, was highly recommended for all residents.

In summary, Kuwait faced significant weather-related disruptions on Sunday night, including airport delays and port closures due to high winds and dust storms. While some flights landed safely, others had to be redirected. Forecasts suggest some improvement but caution remains necessary for drivers and seafarers. Authorities urge the public to stay informed as conditions evolve.

Original Source: gulfnews.com