India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major cyclonic storm warning which is likely to affect parts of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the Lakshawadeep Islands from April 28 to May 1.
The deep depression over East Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of about 18 km/h in last six hours and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of 27th April, 2019 about 850 km east-southeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka) which is 1180 kilometres southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and 1460 kilometres south-southeast of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
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“It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during next 06 hours and further into a severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to move northwestwards off Sri Lanka coast during next 72 hours and reach near north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast on 30th April 2019 evening,” the warning issued by IMD reads.
The warning goes on to state that the regions affected by the deep depression are likely to experience rough to very rough seas, heavy isolated rainfall and strong cyclonic winds.
“Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy falls at isolated places very likely over Kerala on 29 and 30 April 2019. Light to moderate rainfall at few places over north coastal Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh on 30th April and 1st May 2019,” the advisory states.
“Fishermen are advised not to venture into deep sea areas of Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean on 27th and 28th; over Southwest Bay of Bengal and off Sri Lanka coast on 28th; Southwest Bay of Bengal, along and off Sri Lanka, Puducherry, Tamilnadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts from 29th April to 1st May.”
Strong winds ranging from 30-40 km/h and even up to 160 km/h will be experienced in different areas between April 28 and May 1 according to the notice.
(With ANI inputs)