The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert following the formation of a depression over the Southeast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal. As of 0830 hours IST on the 1st of December 2023, the depression is centered approximately 760 km east-southeast of Puducherry, 780 km east-southeast of Chennai, 960 km southeast of Bapatla, and 940 km southeast of Machilipatnam.
IMD’s observations indicate that the depression is likely to move in a west-northwestward direction and is expected to intensify into a deep depression by the 2nd of December. Subsequently, the system is forecasted to further strengthen into a cyclonic storm over the Southwest Bay of Bengal around the 3rd of December.
The meteorological agency predicts the cyclonic storm’s continued northwestward movement, with a projected landfall between Chennai and Machilipatnam along the South Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu coasts. This landfall is anticipated to occur around the evening of the 4th of December, with the system expected to make its impact felt as a cyclonic storm.
As part of the precautionary measures, residents in the affected regions, particularly those along the mentioned coasts, are advised to stay informed about the weather updates and follow guidelines provided by local authorities. Shipping and fishing activities in the Bay of Bengal are also likely to be affected, and relevant authorities have been notified to take necessary precautions.
The IMD will continue to closely monitor the development of the depression and provide timely updates as the situation evolves. It is recommended that the public and concerned authorities to stay tuned to official weather advisories and take necessary steps to ensure preparedness and safety in the wake of the impending weather system.
