The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning as a depression over the Bay of Bengal gains momentum, anticipated to escalate into Cyclonic Storm ‘Michaung’ by Sunday. Tracking the system’s movement, IMD predicts a cyclonic storm over the southwest Bay of Bengal by December 3, potentially impacting the southern and eastern regions of India.
At present, the center of the depression lies approximately 500 km east-southeast of Puducherry, 510 km east-southeast of Chennai, 630 km southeast of Nellore, and 710 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam. The IMD forecasts its progression, with the storm expected to reach the south Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 forenoon, potentially making landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam by December 5.
Anticipating its trajectory, the IMD projects maximum sustained wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 100 kmph during the cyclonic storm’s arrival.
Additionally, warnings of squally weather with wind speeds reaching 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, have been issued over the southeast Bay of Bengal. IMD’s projections signal moderate to heavy rainfall across southern and eastern Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
In response to the impending weather system, Puducherry’s government has declared a holiday for all colleges in the UT, Karaikal, and Yanam regions on December 4 as a precautionary measure.
The IMD’s predictions highlight a forecast of escalating rainfall intensity, with North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry expecting isolated heavy rainfall on Saturday, followed by widespread showers and heavy to very heavy rainfall in various places from Sunday onward.
Southern coastal Andhra Pradesh is set to experience light to moderate rainfall on Sunday, intensifying to heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. The pattern continues into December 4, with most areas experiencing rain and isolated occurrences of extremely heavy rainfall. Moreover, December 5 forecasts isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over south coastal Andhra Pradesh, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in several places, including isolated areas over north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The IMD’s alerts indicate the evolving situation, urging residents and authorities in these regions to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against the anticipated weather disturbances.
Sources By Agencies
