Is Cyclone 'Montha' Set to Impact North Coastal TN?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal intensifying.
- Cyclone 'Montha' expected to develop by Monday morning.
- Heavy rainfall forecast for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
- Orange alert issued for multiple coastal districts.
- Authorities on high alert for potential emergencies.
Chennai, Oct 26 (NationPress) A deep depression situated over the southeast Bay of Bengal is steadily strengthening and is anticipated to evolve into a cyclonic storm named 'Montha' by Monday morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is currently advancing northwest at approximately 8 kilometers per hour and is expected to unleash heavy rainfall and powerful winds across several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the forthcoming days.
As per the latest update from the IMD, the deep depression was located roughly 800 kilometers east-southeast of Chennai at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday. It is projected to escalate into a cyclonic storm by early Monday over the southwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal. Meteorologists anticipate that the system will persist in a north-northwest trajectory, ultimately strengthening into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday night or early Tuesday.
The storm is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, as a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday evening or night. Wind velocities are anticipated to reach between 90–100 kilometers per hour, with gusts soaring to 110 kilometers per hour along and off the coasts of Andhra and northern Tamil Nadu.
The IMD has issued a warning to fishermen, advising against venturing into the sea and urging those currently at sea to return to shore due to potential hazardous conditions.
Owing to the system's influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in Tiruvallur, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Ranipet, and Puducherry on Sunday. An orange alert has been declared for these areas, signaling the likelihood of significant rainfall coupled with strong winds. On Monday, substantial rainfall is expected in Ranipet, Tiruvallur, and Chennai, while moderate to heavy showers might also affect Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Vellore, and Puducherry.
By Tuesday, rainfall is likely to shift northward, with Ranipet and Tiruvallur districts set to experience significant downpours.
District administrations are on high alert, and disaster management teams have been instructed to remain prepared to tackle any emergencies stemming from heavy rainfall, flooding, or strong winds as the system intensifies in the next 48 hours.