First cyclonic storm of 2021 likely to hit India

The Indian Meterological Department (IMD) has warned against a cyclone, which will form over Southeast Arabian Sea on Saturday, strengthening and intensifying into a ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm (winds with speed of up to 150 to 160 kmph) on May 16.

Prevailing well-marked low pressure system over Lakshadweep developed into a depression on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched a cyclone watch and released the possible track that the cyclone, which is to acquire its name Tauktae, will take in due course. It is headed towards Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coast.

The rapidly intensifying system shall cause extremely heavy rainfall (more than 204 mm) over Lakshadweep, Kerala, ghats of Tamil Nadu, coastal Karnataka, while Goa and South Konkan regions will receive moderate intensity rain, particularly up to May 16, the IMD has stated.

Officials from the IMD stated that the warm sea surface temperatures over Arabian Sea was aiding rapid intensification of the system while at sea. Wind speeds ranging from 50 to 60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph has been forecast all along the West coast till May 18.