Shakti cyclone
PUNE: The season’s first cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea has intensified into ‘Cyclone Shakti’ on Friday, the IMD stated. Currently centred about 250km west-southwest of Gujarat’s Dwarka, the system is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday. While forecasters said it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the Indian landmass, sea conditions are expected to be rough over the weekend.As of 11.30am Friday, Cyclone Shakti lay over the northeast Arabian Sea near latitude 21.7°N and longitude 66.8°E, around 270km southwest of Naliya, 300km west of Porbandar, and 360km south of Karachi. The system was moving northwestwards at 8kmph and is expected to track west-southwest towards the central Arabian Sea, likely reaching central parts of the north and adjoining central Arabian Sea by Oct 5.“Though the system will intensify into a severe cyclone, it will weaken considerably before nearing Gujarat’s coastline. Rainfall is expected in parts of Gujarat, but no major impact is anticipated in India,” said a weather blogger from Vagaries of Weather.Independent forecaster Abhijit Modak added, “The storm’s remnants may bring some rain to Saurashtra and Kutch.” An IMD official confirmed the storm’s trajectory is away from the Indian landmass and warned that while it won’t directly impact land, rough sea conditions will persist. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea.According to IMD, sea conditions are very rough to high over the northwest Arabian Sea and adjoining northeast and central Arabian Sea till the afternoon of Oct 3, turning high to very high between Oct 4-6. Rough to very rough seas are expected along/off Gujarat-north Maharashtra and Pakistan coasts till Oct 5.Meanwhile, light to moderate rain and storms are likely at most places in Madhya Maharashtra & Marathwada on Oct 3-4, influenced by a depression over interior Odisha.
