Cyclone Shakti: Heavy Rainfall alert in these states till October 8

Cyclone Shakti is a Severe Cyclonic Storm that has formed over the Arabian Sea. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall alerts for parts of the following states/regions due to Cyclone ‘Shakti’.

It has intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea. The storm is currently moving west-southwestwards, away from the immediate Indian coastline.

The heavy rain alerts have been largely downgraded. The current forecast for Mumbai and nearby areas like Thane and Raigad predicts only light, scattered rain or occasional drizzles until October 8. The IMD has issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall in interior regions like parts of East Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Minimal impact is expected, though some districts like Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, and Valsad may experience heavy rainfall on or around October 8 as the weakened system recurves.

Coastal Districts: Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg have been on high to moderate alert. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is specifically forecast for East Vidarbha and parts of Marathwada. North Konkan may experience localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Recent forecasts suggest the cyclone is moving away and expected to weaken, which has eased the heavy rain alert for cities like Mumbai, with light, scattered rain now expected.

Gujarat:

The impact is expected to be minimal, but some parts are forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall on or around October 8, particularly districts like Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli.

Other regions under Heavy Rainfall Alert (influenced by other systems/moisture):

Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim: Extremely heavy rainfall has been forecast for areas like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar.

North Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh: Also on watch for heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Tamil Nadu: Moderate to heavy showers are expected in districts like Chennai and Chengalpattu.

Cyclone paths and associated rainfall forecasts can change rapidly. For the most current and specific warnings, always refer to the latest bulletins from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The name ‘Shakti’ (pronounced Shakhti), which means power or strength, was suggested by Sri Lanka following the naming system for tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.

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