Is Cyclone ‘Montha’ on the Horizon by Monday?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyclone Montha is projected to form by Monday.
- Heavy rain and strong winds are expected along the Andhra coast.
- Precautions are advised for coastal residents and fishermen.
- Tamil Nadu may experience light to moderate rainfall.
- Stay updated with IMD alerts for the latest information.
Chennai, Oct 25 (NationPress) The well-defined low-pressure system over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression as of Saturday and is predicted to evolve into a cyclonic storm referred to as 'Montha' by Monday (October 27), as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
In its most recent update, the IMD noted that the system is currently situated approximately 990 km east-southeast of Chennai, moving west-northwestward, and is anticipated to further strengthen into a deep depression by Sunday (October 26).
It is projected to transform into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjacent west-central Bay of Bengal by early Monday morning. Once formed, Cyclone Montha is expected to head northwest toward the Andhra Pradesh coastline, with a potential landfall occurring between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam early next week.
The IMD has issued warnings of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions along the Andhra coast during the landfall period. As a precaution, storm warning cage No. 1 has been raised at nine ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, indicating possible squally weather that may impact coastal waters.
Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea, and those living along the coast have been advised to remain vigilant as the system gains strength.
While the primary impact zone is further north along the Andhra coast, Tamil Nadu is expected to witness light to moderate rainfall in various regions.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast isolated light rain in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts over the weekend.
Additionally, as the northeast monsoon intensifies, moderate showers with thunder and lightning are anticipated today (October 25) in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi districts.
Light rain is also forecasted in the KTCC region (Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chennai, and Chengalpattu) during the same timeframe.
Over the past 24 hours, scattered rainfall has been observed throughout Tamil Nadu, with the highest amounts recorded in Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts.
Weather officials have warned that the intensity of rainfall may gradually increase in coastal and nearby districts as the cyclonic system continues to develop over the Bay of Bengal.