The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that cyclone is brewing over the Bay of Bengal and it is expected to hit Andhra Pradesh’s coast on Monday afternoon. The cyclone is named ‘Phethai’ (contributed by Thailand) in line with the naming protocol for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.
This would be the seventh cyclone this year, starting with ‘Sagar’, ‘Mekunu’ and ‘Luban’ - all in the Arabian Sea - and ‘Daye,’ ‘Titli,’ and ‘Gaja’ in the Bay of Bengal and third to hit south India in less than two months.
Gaja, Daye, Luban and Titli caused devastation to standing crops and taking a number of lives in southern parts of the country. The IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for coastal Andhra Pradesh on December 16 and 17. South Chhattisgarh and Odisha may also see rainfall on December 17.
“The Bay of Bengal sees approximately five times as many cyclones as the Arabian Sea. In addition, cyclones in the Bay are stronger and deadlier. But this year could be an exception in terms of the numbers. It has also been seen that nearly 58 per cent of cyclones formed in the Bay reach the coast, as compared to only 25 per cent of those in the Arabian Sea,” the IMD officials said.
The IMD said as expected, the low pressure area in Bay of Bengal has now intensified into a well-marked low pressure area and is now seen over Central Bay of Bengal. “Conditions continue to be favourable for the system to induce a depression in the next 24 hours. In fact, we expect it to strengthen into deep depression and further into a cyclonic circulation in the subsequent 48 to 72 hours,’ it said.
The IMD predicted that severe cyclone would achieve a maximum intensity of wind speeds reaching up to 105 km/hr and gusting to 115 km/hr along and off Andhra Pradesh, north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts from Saturday evening. “The system would continue to move in north northwest direction and would be heading towards Andhra Pradesh Coast,” it said. As the system nears, rains would also start picking up pace and we can expect heavy to very heavy rains over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh. North Coastal Tamil Nadu would see moderate rains with some heavy showers.
“Sea conditions would be rough to very rough, along with high velocity winds. We can expect winds of 80 kmph-90 kmph gusting up to 110-120 kmph at the time of landfall. Locals and fishermen are advised not to venture out in the sea for the next three days,” officials said.