The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are currently under a “cyclone alert” as a cyclonic circulation has formed over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this weather system is likely to intensify starting October 21. Following the IMD’s warning, local port authorities have issued advisories, anticipating heavy rainfall across the islands until October 23.
According to officials, Nicobar Islands are expected to receive heavy rain, ranging from 7-11 cm, in isolated areas. Additionally, thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds (40-50 kmph) and lightning are predicted for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 21, 22, and 23. The forecast extends to October 24 and 25, with similar conditions of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning expected.
The Andaman Sea is also anticipated to experience squally weather with wind speeds between 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, from October 22 to 23. Sea conditions are predicted to be rough over the next five days, prompting fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea along and off the coast of the Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until October 24.
The local administration has advised boat owners, island residents, and tourists to exercise extreme caution while plying boats due to the possibility of high waves. Recreational activities should also be conducted with care. Tourists and the general public have been urged to stay away from the sea and adhere to all safety guidelines issued by the authorities.
Low-Pressure Area Formation Expected
The IMD also forecasts the formation of a low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal around October 21. This system is expected to trigger rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu, with amounts ranging from 64.5mm to 111.5mm likely in several districts, including Erode, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Karaikal, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, and Nagapattinam.
Isolated light rain is also expected in other districts of Tamil Nadu such as Salem, Sivaganga, Thanjavur, The Nilgiris, Thiruvallur, Thiruvarur, Viluppuram, and Virudhunagar, as well as in Puducherry and the Karaikal area. Recent data from TNSMART indicates that on October 19, Medavakkam in Chennai recorded 102mm of rainfall, while Kotagiri in the Nilgiris received the highest rainfall in the state at 137mm. Kovilankulam in Virudhunagar (135.4mm) and Makkinampatti in Coimbatore (119mm). Kamatcipuram in Dindigul recorded the lowest rainfall at 0.2mm.