Cyclone MICHAUNG Alert: Southwest Bay of Bengal Deep Depression Intensifies, Posing Threat to Andhra Pradesh and North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry Coasts
India Meteorological Department Issues Orange Message as Cyclone MICHAUNG Strengthens
In a recent development, the Deep Depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has rapidly transformed into Cyclonic Storm MICHAUNG (pronounced as MIGJAUM), triggering a Cyclone Alert for Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry Coasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues an Orange Message, indicating the severity of the situation.
The Cyclonic Storm MICHAUNG, currently positioned near Latitude 11.4°N and Longitude 82.5°E, approximately 300 km east-southeast of Puducherry, has intensified with a northwestward movement at a speed of 5 kmph over the past 06 hours. Forecasts suggest further intensification as it heads towards the Westcentral Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and the adjacent north Tamil Nadu coasts, reaching its peak by the forenoon of December 4th.
The IMD predicts a nearly northward trajectory, bringing the Cyclonic Storm close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, with a projected landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5th. The storm is anticipated to carry maximum sustained wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph.
IMD’s Track and Intensity Forecasts (IST):
- 03.12.23/0530: 11.4/82.5, 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph – Cyclonic Storm
- 03.12.23/1130: 11.9/82.1, 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph – Cyclonic Storm
- 03.12.23/1730: 12.4/81.6, 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph – Cyclonic Storm
- 03.12.23/2330: 13.0/81.3, 75-85 kmph gusting to 95 kmph – Cyclonic Storm
- 04.12.23/0530: 13.5/81.0, 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph – Cyclonic Storm
Weather Warnings Issued:
- Rainfall Warning: Anticipated heavy to very heavy rainfall across North Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Odisha.
- Wind Warning: Gale and squally winds expected in the Southwest and Westcentral Bay of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha coasts.
- Sea Condition Warning: Rough to very rough sea conditions expected in affected regions.
- Fishermen Warning: Fishermen advised to avoid venturing into Southwest and Westcentral Bay of Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha coasts.
- Storm Surge Warning: Storm surge of about 1-1.5 meters likely to inundate south Coastal Andhra Pradesh districts during landfall.
- Expected Damage: Coastal districts of South Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas may experience damage to structures, power lines, and crops. Precautionary measures advised.
Action Suggested for Affected Areas:
- Total suspension of fishing operations.
- Regulation of surface transport and shipping operations.
- Coastal residents to relocate to safer places.
- Vigilance in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- Strict adherence to safety guidelines.
