The season’s first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea has intensified into Cyclone ‘Shakti’ – a name given by Sri Lanka – the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Friday. Positioned roughly 300 km west of Dwarka and 360 km west of Porbandar, the storm is forecast to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by today.
According to forecasts, the cyclonic storm is likely to remain offshore and strengthen over the next two days, which may bring rainfall to some parts of Maharashtra.
Meteorologists have issued warnings for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Wind speeds of 45–55 km/h, gusting up to 65 km/h, are expected along the North Maharashtra coast between 3 and 5 October.
Sea conditions remain very rough, and turbulent waters are likely along the northern Maharashtra coast until October 5.
Fishermen are strongly advised to stay ashore and avoid venturing into the sea.
