The low pressure area over Malacca Strait and adjoining South Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a cyclone over Bay of Bengal around November 26. If named, the cyclonic storm will be called ‘Senyar’ – meaning ‘lion’. The name was proposed by the United Arab Emirates – one of 13 member countries that contribute to the naming of cyclones in the northern Indian Ocean region.
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region are named by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC), New Delhi, operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the supervision of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The Bay of Bengal is known for generating severe cyclones during September and October. One such system, Montha, struck in late October, causing two fatalities and damaging more than 80,000 hectares of crops.
When will it reach the mainland?
Meteorologists say it is still too early to determine its exact path. While the disturbance may affect weather conditions along coastal Bengal, officials are not sure whether the cyclone will head towards the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast or turn north towards Odisha or Bangladesh. A clearer assessment is likely once the system strengthens into a cyclonic storm. Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents of India’s east coast to remain vigilant and follow official advice.
The Met Office has already issued a heavy rain warning (105-204 mm in 24 hours) for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with showers expected to continue till Tuesday.
Which areas will experience heavy rainfall?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to be the first to experience significant impact from today. Rainfall will continue to increase over the weekend on both island groups. The Nicobar Islands in particular are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rains (105-204 mm in 24 hours) on November 24 and 25 as the system passes nearby. Wind speeds are forecast to range between 35-45 km/h, with gusts reaching 55 km/h through Sunday, increasing to around 65 km/h on November 25.
The IMD said: “High to very heavy rainfall is likely over Andaman & Nicobar Islands during 23-28 August. Heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe during 23-25; Lakshadweep, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam during very heavy rainfall, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, over Rayalasee over 23. Mahe on 23-24 November.”
What’s the latest on rains in Chennai?
Tamil Nadu has announced closure of schools in several districts due to persistent heavy rains. According to an IMD press release, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected at several places in Tamil Nadu and also over Puducherry and Karajkal.
The Meteorological Department added, “Heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal region.
