Cyclone Alert: “MICHAUNG” Approaches Southwest Bay of Bengal, Posing Threat to Andhra Pradesh and North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry Coasts
India Meteorological Department Issues Orange Message as Cyclonic Storm "MICHAUNG" Gains Strength
The India Meteorological Department (Ministry of Earth Sciences) has issued an orange message warning as Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” intensifies over the Southwest Bay of Bengal. Pronounced as “MIGJAUM,” the cyclone poses a potential threat to the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry. Here are the latest updates and forecasts:
Track and Intensity Forecasts:
As of the latest observation, Cyclonic Storm “MICHAUNG” has been moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 08 kmph over the past six hours. The forecast indicates that it will continue this trajectory, intensify further, and reach the Westcentral Bay Of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by the forenoon of December 4th. The cyclone is expected to move nearly northwards, closely parallel to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, and make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5th as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.
Warnings:
- Rainfall Warning:
- North Coastal Tamil Nadu & Puducherry: Expect light to moderate rainfall, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places and isolated extremely heavy falls on December 3rd & 4th. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected on December 5th.
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Anticipate light to moderate rainfall, heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places, and extremely heavy falls at isolated locations over south coastal Andhra Pradesh on December 3rd. On December 4th & 5th, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam.
- Rayalaseema, Telangana, Odisha: Various degrees of rainfall are predicted in these regions during the specified dates.
- Wind Warning:
- Southwest Bay of Bengal: Gale wind speeds reaching 65-75 kmph, gusting to 85 kmph, are prevailing and expected to increase gradually.
- Westcentral Bay of Bengal and along & off south Andhra Pradesh Coast: Squally wind speeds reaching up to 90-100 kmph are anticipated from December 4th evening to December 5th noon.
- Sea Condition:
- Expect very rough to high sea conditions in Southwest Bay of Bengal, likely to continue till December 4th morning.
- Fishermen Warning:
- Fishermen are advised not to venture into specified areas until December 6th.
- Storm Surge:
- A storm surge of about 1-1.5 meters above astronomical tide is expected to inundate south Coastal Andhra Pradesh districts at the time of landfall.
Damage Expected:
Coastal districts of South Andhra Pradesh and adjoining coastal districts of North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry may experience:
- Major damage to thatched houses/huts, with the possibility of roof tops blowing off.
- Vulnerable structures may be damaged.
- Breaking of tree branches, uprooting of large trees, and damage to crops are expected.
Action Suggested:
Residents in the affected areas are advised to:
- Suspend fishing operations.
- Regulate surface transport and shipping operations.
- Seek safer places for coastal hutment dwellers.
- Remain indoors and avoid waterlogged areas.
- Follow guidelines for onshore & offshore operations.
- Stay away from vulnerable structures.
