As per IMD report of 0530 hours
today, yesterday's cyclonoic strom over East Central Arabian Sea
further intensifed into a severe cyclonic strom and lay centred about 300 kms
west south west of Goa at 0230 hours IST of today and it is likely to
intensty further and move in a north-easterly direction and expected to cross
the coast between Goa and Ratnagiri by the forenoon of 24th May,2001.
Under its influence, rains are
likely to occur at most places with scattered heavy to very heavy falls
over coastal Karnataka, Konkan & Goa and at many places in Kerala,
Lakshadweep, Interior Karnataka and Madhya Maharashtra during next 48 hours.
Gale force winds reaching 120 to 150 KMPH are likely to be experienced over
the sea area of Konkan, Goa coast. Storm surge of about 1 to 1.5 metre
height above astronomical tide level is likely at the point of landfall.
Low lying areas along Konkan & Goa coast are likely to be inundated.
Sea conditions will be very high. Fishrmen along and off Konkan &
Goa coast and North Coastal Karnataka are advised not to venture into sea
during next 48 hours.
The Very Severe Cyclonic storm
over the Arabian Sea has remained practically stationary and lies centred
about 500 KM South Southwest of Veraval at 0830 hours IST of today.
It has slightly weakened and presently the maximum wind speed is 180-200 KMPH.
The system is likely to move in a North-Northwesterly direction for some time
but possibly recurve and cross Gujarat coast between Veraval and Naliya by
26May night/27 May morning.
Under its influence gale force
winds reaching 65 to 75 KMPH accompanied with heavy to very heavy rains may
commence over Gujarat Coast by afternoon of 26th May. These gales may
strengthen to 180-200 KMPH in the central area of the storm around the time of
landfall. Storm surge of about 1.5 to 3.5 metres height above
astronomical tide level is expected near the point of landfall.
Sea conditions will be phenomenal
in the central area of the storm. Fishermen of these areas are advised
not to venture into the sea during next 48 hours.