New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Monday said a low pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal and it is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm – identified as Cyclone Mocha – by 10 May.
The cyclone’s movement will become clear in the days to come, but warnings of strong winds and rough seas have been issued.
In a statement issued by the IMD Monday, it said low pressure over the Bay of Bengal would turn into a depression by 9 May, and then develop into a cyclonic storm by 10 May. The IMD has also warned of strong winds and choppy waters, and cautioned fishermen against going out to the south Andaman sea and the southeast Bay of Bengal.
It will be the season’s first cyclone.
“[The cyclone] is likely to move initially north-northwestwards till 11 May. Thereafter, it is likely to recurve gradually and move north-northeastwards towards Bangladesh-Myanmar coasts,” the IMD statement said.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will experience heavy rainfall between 9 and 12 May on account of the storm.
Squally weather and progressively stronger winds will also develop over the region. Wind speeds are likely to reach between 60 and 70 kmph over southeast and east-central Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Andaman Sea on 10 and 11 May. This will increase to around 90 kmph by 12 May, according to the IMD’s forecast.
“These conditions pose a danger for trawlers, fishermen and ships. No one should venture out today onwards in these areas, and those who are there should return,” IMD Director General Mritunjay Mohapatra said in a press conference Monday.
The IMD has also warned against tourism, offshore activities, and shipping in the region till 12 May.
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