TC Phethai – Powerful tropical cyclone forecast to make landfall in southeastern India
A new tropical system (Phethai) is forecast to develop in the Bay of Bengal on December 12 or 13, 2018, and strengthen on its way toward southeastern India and Sri Lanka into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm. Powerful winds and heavy rain are expected along the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, India.
This will be the 7th named storm of the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, the most active since 1992.
While there is still a lot of room for change, current forecast models suggest landfall will take place late Saturday, December 15 or early Sunday, December 16 somewhere between Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
Winds up to 150 km/h (93 mph) are likely, making it a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm.
Heavy rainfall, up to 250 mm (9.8 inches) or more are expected along the coast, potentially producing life-threatening floods.
Featured image credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS. Acquired December 11, 2018
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