Cyclone Michaung To Make Landfall On December 5 In Coastal Andhra; Heavy Rains Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning today following the intensification of a depression in the Southwest Bay of Bengal. Over the past six hours, this system has gained momentum, moving west-northwestwards at a pace of 9 kmph. As of 11 pm on December 1, the depression's center was pinpointed at Latitude 10.3°N and Longitude 85.3°E, approximately 630 km east-southeast of Puducherry.

The storm's current position places it 630 km east-southeast of Chennai, 740 km southeast of Nellore, 810 km southeast of Bapatla, and 800 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, according to the latest IMD bulletin. Forecasts indicate a further west-northwestward trajectory, with expectations of intensifying into a Deep Depression within the next 12 hours and developing into a Cyclonic Storm 'Michaung' over the Southwest Bay of Bengal by December 3.

Projections suggest the cyclonic system will veer northwestwards, nearing the vicinity of south Andhra Pradesh and adjacent north Tamil Nadu coasts by the forenoon of December 4. Anticipated movement indicates a near-north trajectory, aligning parallel and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, with a probable landfall expected between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5. During this period, the Cyclonic Storm is projected to exhibit sustained wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, accompanied by gusts reaching up to 100 kmph.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin convened a review meeting on Friday with 12 district administrative heads, addressing the likelihood of heavy rainfall affecting various districts over the next 2-3 days. Stalin issued directives and instructed officials to take precautionary measures, including the evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas in anticipation of the impending cyclone.

On Friday, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), led by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, reviewed the preparedness of state governments, central ministries, and departments for the forthcoming cyclone 'Michaung' in the Bay of Bengal.

Rainfall Forecast:

The looming cyclonic storm in the Southwest Bay of Bengal has prompted meteorological authorities to issue a comprehensive rainfall warning for several regions in southern and eastern India.

For North coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, light to moderate rainfall is predicted at most places on December 2, with isolated instances of heavy rainfall. Rainfall intensity is expected to escalate from December 3 onwards, covering most areas with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall projected for December 3. On December 4, rainfall is forecasted at most places, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. December 5 anticipates isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall with a subsequent reduction.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh should prepare for light to moderate rainfall at most places on December 3, intensifying to heavy to very heavy rainfall in a few places and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Similar patterns are expected on December 4 and 5, with varying intensities across south and north coastal regions.

Odisha is likely to witness light to moderate rainfall at most places on December 4, followed by isolated heavy rainfall over specific areas along the south Coastal and adjoining south Interior Odisha. On December 5, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted over the same regions.