Bay of Bengal Braces: Deep Depression Intensifies, Cyclone Michaung Looms Over Andhra Coast

The Bay of Bengal is once again a scene of brewing weather activity, as a deep depression has formed off the Andhra Pradesh coast, setting the stage for a potentially severe cyclonic storm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical alert, indicating that this system is on track to intensify rapidly into Cyclone 'Michaung' and poses a significant threat to the eastern coastline.

Currently situated approximately 200 km east-southeast of Chennai and 190 km east-southeast of Puducherry, the deep depression is moving northwestwards, and is projected to turn northwards.

The IMD predicts that by the morning of December 3rd, it will have strengthened into a full-fledged cyclonic storm. The most concerning forecast points to its landfall near Bapatla on the Andhra Pradesh coast by the forenoon of December 5th, likely as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds ranging from 90-100 kmph, gusting up to a powerful 110 kmph.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining regions are bracing for widespread and heavy rainfall.

The IMD warns of "heavy to very heavy rainfall" over north coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on December 3rd. South coastal Andhra Pradesh is also expected to experience significant downpours, with isolated "extremely heavy rainfall" anticipated over coastal Andhra Pradesh.

As the system progresses, the intensity of rainfall is expected to escalate.

December 4th could see "extremely heavy rainfall" over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and south Odisha, indicating a severe impact. By December 5th, while the system makes landfall, north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam will continue to receive "heavy to very heavy rainfall."

Beyond rainfall, strong winds are a major concern.

Squally wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, are currently affecting the southwest and adjoining west central Bay of Bengal. These are expected to increase further, reaching 70-80 kmph with gusts up to 90 kmph over the same regions, and eventually impacting coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

Sea conditions will deteriorate dramatically, becoming rough to very rough, and then high to very high over the southwest and west central Bay of Bengal.

Fishermen have been strongly advised by authorities not to venture into the Bay of Bengal until December 5th, and those already at sea are urged to return to the coast immediately to ensure their safety.

The potential impact of Cyclone Michaung includes significant damage to vulnerable structures, disruption of power and communication lines, and temporary but severe disruption to rail and road traffic.

Residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated with official advisories, prepare emergency kits, and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this critical period.