Cyclone Tauktae: Deep Depression likely to intensify into severe cyclonic storm

The depression over the Lakshadweep area has intensified into a deep depression. The deep depression is centered over the Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast and the east-central Arabian Sea.

As per the India Meteorological Department, this system is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic Strom during next 12 hours and is very likely to intensify further during the subsequent 24 hours. On May 16, the system is expected to further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and reach near Gujarat coast by 18th May morning. After intensifying into a cyclonic storm, it will be named Cyclone ‘Tauktae’.

South Gujarat and Diu costs have been put on pre-cyclone watch. Warning for rainfall and squally weather with increased wind speed has been predict.

As a result, the cross-equatorial South westerlies have temporarily strengthened over the Arabian Sea. The cross-equatorial flow is very likely to strengthen and deepen over the Bay of Bengal from 20th May and a sustained rainfall activity is likely over the South Bay of Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 21st May. Hence the monsoon advance over Andaman and Nicobar Islands is very likely around 21st May 2021.