The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday reported that Cyclone Shakhti over the northeast Arabian Sea has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is moving westwards at a speed of 13 kmph.
According to IMD, the storm is currently located about 420 km west of Dwarka, 420 km west-southwest of Naliya, 390 km south-southwest of Karachi (Pakistan), and 480 km west of Porbandar.
The system is expected to move west-southwestwards and reach the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by October 5. Thereafter, it is likely to recurve and move east-northeastwards from the morning of October 6, gradually weakening thereafter.
Wind Warnings
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Current winds: Gale-force winds reaching 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, are prevailing over the northwest and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.
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Forecast:
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By October 4–5: Winds may strengthen to 100–110 kmph, gusting to 125 kmph.
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By October 6: Wind speeds will reduce to 80–90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph.
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By October 7: Further weakening to 65–75 kmph, gusting to 85 kmph.
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Coastal impact: Squally winds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are expected along and off the Gujarat–north Maharashtra coasts between October 4–7.
Sea Conditions
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Very high sea conditions are likely over the northwest and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea between October 4–7.
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The central Arabian Sea is expected to experience rough to very rough conditions until October 5, turning high to very high from midnight of October 5 until October 7.
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Rough to very rough seas are also expected along the Gujarat, north Maharashtra, and Pakistan coasts until October 7.
Advisory: Fishermen are advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea during this period due to the dangerous sea and wind conditions. Coastal authorities in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and southern Pakistan have been placed on high alert.
