 Cyclone Mekunu near peak intensity and approaching Oman on May 25 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | May 21, 2018 |
| Dissipated | May 27, 2018 |
| Extremely severe cyclonic storm | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 175 km/h (110 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 960 hPa (mbar); 28.35 inHg |
| Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 948 hPa (mbar); 27.99 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 31 total |
| Damage | $1.5 billion (2018 USD) |
| Areas affected | Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Mekunu[a] (/mɛˈkuːnu/) was the strongest storm to strike Oman's Dhofar Governorate since 1959. The second named storm of the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Mekunu developed out of a low-pressure area on May 21. It gradually intensified, passing east of Socotra on May 23 as a very intense tropical cyclone. On May 25, Mekunu reached its peak intensity. The India Meteorological Department estimated 10 minute sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph), making Mekunu an extremely severe cyclonic storm. The American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated slightly higher 1 minute winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). While at peak intensity, Mekunu made landfall near Raysut, Oman, on May 25. The storm rapidly weakened over land, dissipating on May 27.
While passing near Socotra, Cyclone Mekunu dropped heavy rainfall, causing landslides and flooding that killed 20 people. In the eastern Yemeni mainland, the cyclone caused power outages and flooding, resulting in four fatalities. In Oman, Cyclone Mekunu killed seven people and caused about US$1.5 billion in damage. Rainfall from Mekunu reached 617 mm (24.3 in) in Salalah. The rainfall created desert lakes in the Empty Quarter, or Rub' al Khali, contributing to a locust outbreak that affected 10 countries, including Pakistan where the outbreak led to a state of emergency.
- ^ "How Cyclone Mekunu got its name?". The Times of India. May 26, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
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