MUSCAT, Oman (AP) -- A powerful cyclone has hit the state of Oman on the Arabian Sea with strong winds and rain and is on course for southern Iran and the oil-rich Persian Gulf.

Forecasters look for it to skirt the region's biggest oil installations as it weakens Wednesday, but analysts warn it could disrupt shipping in the Straits of Hormuz, causing a spike in oil prices.

Cyclone Gonu (GOH'-noo) is the Arabian Peninsula's strongest storm in 60 years. The U-S military's Joint Typhoon Warning Center says it's traveling up the Oman coastline with sustained winds of more than 90 miles-an-hour and gusts above 100, churning up 35-foot-high waves.

A resident of Oman's capital says it's "raining cats and dogs." Streets are flooded but there are no reports of serious injuries or damage.