Will the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensify further?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen.
- Red and Orange Alerts have been issued for Tamil Nadu districts.
- Fishermen are advised to return to shore due to rough sea conditions.
- Authorities are on high alert for potential flooding.
- Public urged to heed weather advisories and stay safe.
Chennai, Oct 21 (NationPress) The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal is projected to strengthen further, as reported by Amudha, the Regional Head of the Meteorological Centre, Chennai.
Speaking to reporters at Nungambakkam, she mentioned that the system has already evolved into a deep depression, and it is likely to develop into a depression by tomorrow; only then will it be determined if it could potentially transform into a cyclone.
The system is currently situated approximately 400 kilometres from Chennai, according to Amudha.
Fishermen who have gone out to sea are urged to return to shore immediately due to the turbulent sea conditions and the anticipated strong winds in the coming days.
In response to the system's development, the Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a Red Alert for eight districts in Tamil Nadu, predicting extremely heavy rainfall, along with an Orange Alert for ten districts, indicating very heavy rain.
District authorities have been advised to maintain a heightened state of alert and implement disaster management measures, especially in coastal and low-lying areas.
Amudha also pointed out that Tamil Nadu has recorded 59 percent excess rainfall thus far in October, compared to the usual average for this period.
The northeast monsoon, which commenced earlier this month, has already delivered widespread rainfall across various districts, replenishing reservoirs and causing waterlogging in some regions.
“The movement of the depression is under close observation. Once it intensifies, we will be able to provide a more accurate forecast regarding its potential to develop into a cyclonic storm,” she added.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised the public to heed weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and stay updated on the system's path.
Coastal residents have also been instructed to relocate to safer areas if directed by local officials.
As Tamil Nadu prepares for another round of intense monsoon activity, disaster management teams throughout the state are on standby with rescue boats, motor pumps, and emergency response units to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.