Cyclone Montha Brings Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds to Coastal States

Strategic Insights -

Cyclone Montha, developing over the Bay of Bengal, has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue critical weather warnings for several coastal states, including Odisha. As the cyclonic storm intensifies, heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to batter the region, posing a significant threat to fishermen and coastal residents. The IMD has issued a series of warnings, including rainfall, wind, and sea condition warnings, advising fishermen to exercise caution and avoid venturing into deep waters.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cyclone Montha is expected to intensify into a deep depression by October 26 and into a cyclonic storm by October 27 morning, posing a significant threat to coastal states including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations across Odisha from October 27-29, with light to moderate rainfall on October 26.
  • Wind speeds are likely to increase to 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph over the central Bay of Bengal on October 25, and to 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from October 26 evening till October 27 evening.
  • Squally winds of 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph are likely along and off the Odisha coast from October 26, increasing to 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph by October 28-29.
  • Sea conditions are expected to turn rough to very rough over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea on October 25, and high from October 26 evening onwards.
  • The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal and along & off Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coasts till October 29, and the Odisha coast from October 26 to 29.

Statistics:

  • cyclone path: 420 km west-southwest of Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), 990 km southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 990 km east-southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu), 1000 km southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), and 1040 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha)
  • Wind speed: 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph
  • Rainfall warning: Light to moderate rainfall on October 26, heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 27-29
  • Sea condition: Moderate to rough over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea on October 25, turning rough to very rough on October 26

Sources:

  • India Meteorological Department (IMD)
  • Sambad English