ABU DHABI // The west coast of the UAE is expected to be spared the full force of Cyclone Phet as it veers north-east towards Pakistan. Today will be cloudy with strong winds and with rain expected in the east and southern parts of the UAE. Winds on the east coast are likely to gust up to 64kph. "In general there will be a fresh wind, strong at times, blowing dust and sand over open areas," said a spokesman for the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology. He said the Gulf would be rough at times and the coastline along the Gulf of Oman will be very rough, with a constant wind of between 37kph and 46kph.
Tomorrow is expected to be much the same, with a chance of rain on the east coast, poor visibility across the UAE and rough seas. The centre has warned people to avoid the sea. The cyclone was moving north-west at a speed of 8kph with winds reaching 180kh. It was expected to veer towards the Indian and Pakistani coasts.