Chennai, The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that the deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm Michaung. Here are the top 10 updates you should be aware of:
1. Formation of Cyclonic Storm: The IMD announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the Deep Depression intensified into Cyclonic Storm Michaung at 5:30 am today.
2. Heavy Rainfall Warning:IMD issued a heavy rainfall warning for four districts in Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu – with predictions of moderate rainfall in the next 24 hours.
3. Landfall Predictions:Cyclone Michaung is expected to make landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh on December 5, with sustained wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph.
4. Movement Path: IMD forecasts the cyclone’s west-northwestward movement, intensifying into a cyclonic storm over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and reaching the west-central Bay of Bengal off south Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 4 forenoon.
5. Landfall Details:Michaung is projected to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coasts between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5, maintaining a cyclonic storm status.
6. Fishermen Warning:IMD advises fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea due to harsh conditions. Over 5,000 fishermen refrained from fishing, and around 1,000 boats were docked at Pulicat Lake in Tiruvallur.
7. Puducherry Holiday: Puducherry government declares a holiday for all colleges on December 4 in anticipation of Cyclone Michaung, applicable to Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions.
8. Extended Warning: IMD cautions against venturing into the southeast Bay of Bengal on December 2 and the southwest Bay of Bengal, and along the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry Coasts from December 2 to 4.
9. Disaster Response Team: A 50-member National Disaster Response team from Bengaluru arrives in Kanchipuram district as a precautionary measure.
10. Widespread Rainfall Warnings: The cyclonic storm triggers rainfall warnings for various regions in southern and eastern India.
