[click for larger pic]

[click for larger pic]

Cyclone Gonu hit the east coast of Oman earlier today, although the strongest tropical storm to hit the Gulf state in decades steadily weakened after reaching land.

Heavy rains and high winds lashed Muscat, with the streets of the capital almost deserted save for a few all-terrain vehicles, after thousands of residents were evacuated from coastal areas.

The wind speed has slowed to 71-105 mph from 160 mph, Omani weather officials said.

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