The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has detected two significant weather systems, with one posing the threat of intensifying into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday, November 26, forenoon.
The primary system is a deep depression located over the Strait of Malacca, the channel connecting the Andaman Sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean and the South China Sea of the western Pacific Ocean. The second is a low-pressure area situated over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of South Sri Lanka.
Cyclone ‘Senyar’ Formation Imminent
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the deep depression over the Strait of Malacca is expected to undergo rapid intensification:
- Movement: It is very likely to continue moving west-northwestwards.
- Intensity: It is expected to intensify further into a cyclonic storm by November 26 forenoon.
- Name: If the system develops into a cyclonic storm, it will be designated ‘Senyar’, a name contributed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Wind Warnings: Throughout Wednesday, as the depression evolves into a cyclonic storm, gusty winds ranging from 60 kmph to 100 kmph are expected.
Rainfall Alerts for Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The presence of the deep depression has prompted specific rainfall warnings for the islands:
- Nicobar Islands: The IMD national bulletin for November 26 predicts light to moderate rainfall at most places, with isolated areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 26 and November 27.
- Duration: The rainfall is expected to gradually decrease from November 28 until November 29.
Low-Pressure Area Triggers South India Alerts
The concurrently developing low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of South Sri Lanka is also likely to intensify into a depression and bring widespread rainfall to the southern Indian mainland.
- Impacted States: Both weather systems have led to rainfall warnings for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
- Tamil Nadu Outlook: Heavy rains had already lashed several districts across Tamil Nadu on Monday, causing inundation in coastal areas like Tuticorin. The IMD has warned that parts of Tamil Nadu will see heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday as the weather system intensifies.
- Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms with lightning are also very likely over Tamil Nadu between November 26 and November 29, and in Kerala and Mahe between November 26 and November 27.
School and College Status in Tamil Nadu
Following disruptions to normal life caused by the heavy rains, schools and colleges in affected parts of Tamil Nadu were declared shut on Tuesday to ensure safety. An official announcement regarding the status of schools and colleges for Wednesday is currently awaited.