Severe Cyclonic Storm “Michaung” Advances Along South Andhra Pradesh Coast, IMD Reports
In the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm “Michaung” (pronounced as Migjaum) has been steadily progressing over the west-central Bay of Bengal along and off the south Andhra Pradesh coast. Over the past six hours, the storm has moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 08 kmph, and as of 0630 hours IST on December 5, 2023, it is centered over the same region near latitude 15.0°N and longitude 80.2°E.
Key Details:
- The storm is currently positioned about 25 km east-northeast of Kavali, 55 km north-northeast of Nellore, 110 km south-southwest of Bapatla, 160 km south-southwest of Machilipatnam, and 220 km north of Chennai.
- The current intensity near the center is reported to be 90-100 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 110 kmph.
- During the past six hours, the storm has consistently moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 08 kmph.
Forecast Movement: As the system continues its northward trajectory close to the coast, some parts of the wall cloud region are now observed over land. The IMD predicts that the cyclonic storm is likely to move nearly northwards, parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast. It is expected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, close to Bapatla, during the forenoon of December 5, 2023. The maximum sustained wind speed is projected to be 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph during the landfall.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines provided by local authorities as the severe cyclonic storm “Michaung” progresses along the coast.
