 Cyclonic Storm Keila near Oman coast on November 2, near peak intensity. | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 29, 2011 |
| Dissipated | November 4, 2011 |
| Cyclonic storm | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 996 hPa (mbar); 29.41 inHg |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 982 hPa (mbar); 29.00 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 19 |
| Missing | 9 |
| Damage | $80 million (2011 USD) |
| Areas affected | Oman, Yemen |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2011 North Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
Cyclonic Storm Keila (IMD designation: ARB 02, JTWC designation: 03A) was the first named storm of the 2011 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. A weak system for much of its duration, Keila developed in the western Arabian Sea in late October 2011, amid an area of marginally favorable conditions. On November 2, it briefly organized enough to be classified as a cyclonic storm, which has maximum sustained winds of at least 65 km/h (40 mph). Given the name Keila by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm quickly moved ashore southern Oman near Salalah, and weakened while meandering over the country. The remnants soon after moved offshore, dissipating on November 4.
The storm brought heavy rainfall to Oman, reaching just over 700 mm (28 in) in the mountains near Salalah. Moisture from the storm spread across most of the country, causing flash flooding near the capital Muscat. Floods from the storm killed 14 people, injured over 200, washed away hundreds of cars, and damaged many buildings. Two hospitals were damaged, forcing 60 patients to be evacuated elsewhere by helicopter. Overall damage was estimated at US$80 million (2011 USD). Offshore, Keila capsized a boat originating from India, killing five of the crew and leaving another nine missing; six sailors were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.