The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has established a cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Arabian Sea that is very likely to create a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours.
According to the weather service’s bulletin, the resulting low-pressure system would likely strengthen into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea about May 16 and will begin to travel north-northwestwards.
Coastal areas in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat are most likely to be affected. From Friday onwards, the area can experience heavy, gusty winds.
The name ‘Tauktae,’ as suggested by Myanmar, refers to an extremely vocal lizard gecko. If it hits the Indian coast, it will be the country’s first cyclonic storm of 2021. Furthermore, the weather agency indicates that the storm may change direction and go towards Kutch and South Pakistan.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture out to sea in the adjoining areas of the Maldives, Comorin, Lakshadweep district, and the Kerala coast from Thursday morning onwards, and along and off the Karnataka-Goa and Maharashtra coasts from Friday night onwards, due to the likelihood of rough sea conditions.
The Indian Coast Guard released an advisory to the Fisheries department on Wednesday, warning fishermen along the Arabian Sea coast and the south Tamil Nadu coast not to go out to sea and to return to the nearest harbour due to a cyclone that is expected to form in the Arabian Sea between May 14-16.
The IMD released a similar warning, cautioning fishermen not to venture into the sea and requesting that fishing boats out in deep sea in coastal areas return.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani convened a meeting and ordered officials in the state’s coastal districts to stay vigilant and take appropriate safety precautions. Officials forecast that potential cyclonic activity will bring thunderstorms to the state’s coastal area, including Saurashtra and south Gujarat.
