Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” forms over SW Bay of Bengal, cyclone alert for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm and was named Michaung at 03:00 UTC on December 3, 2023. This is the 6th named storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.
- An Orange cyclone alert is in effect for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining North Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts.
- Landfall is expected to take place on December 5 east of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) New Delhi reports that the deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclonic Storm “Michaung.” As of 00:00 UTC on December 3, 2023, its center was located about 300 km (186 miles) east-southeast of Puducherry and 310 km (192 miles) southeast of Chennai, moving northwestwards at 5 km/h (3 mph).
The storm is forecasted to continue its northwestward trajectory, intensifying further and expected to reach the west-central Bay of Bengal off the south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by the morning of December 4 (UTC).
It is then projected to move nearly northward, closely paralleling the south Andhra Pradesh coast, and is anticipated to cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam on the morning of December 5 as a cyclonic storm. At this time, it is expected to reach maximum sustained wind speeds of 80 – 90 km/h (50 – 56 mph), gusting to 100 km/h (62 mph).
| Date/Time (UTC) | Closest location (~distance in km (miles)) | Maximum sustained surface wind speed (km/h (mph)) | Category of cyclonic disturbance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03.12.23/0000 | 300 km (186 miles) ESE of Puducherry | 60 – 70 km/h (37 – 43 mph), gusting to 80 km/h (50 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 03.12.23/0600 | 280 km (174 miles) SE of Puducherry | 65 – 75 km/h (40 – 47 mph), gusting to 85 km/h (53 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 03.12.23/1200 | 260 km (162 miles) SE of Puducherry | 70 – 80 km/h (43 – 50 mph), gusting to 90 km/h (56 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 03.12.23/1800 | 240 km (149 miles) SE of Chennai | 75 – 85 km/h (47 – 53 mph), gusting to 95 km/h (59 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 04.12.23/0000 | 220 km (137 miles) SE of Chennai | 80 – 90 km/h (50 – 56 mph), gusting to 100 km/h (62 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 04.12.23/1200 | 200 km (124 miles) SE of Chennai | 80 – 90 km/h (50 – 56 mph), gusting to 100 km/h (62 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 05.12.23/0000 | 180 km (112 miles) S of Nellore | 80 – 90 km/h (50 – 56 mph), gusting to 100 km/h (62 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 05.12.23/1200 | 160 km (99 miles) S of Nellore | 60 – 70 km/h (37 – 43 mph), gusting to 80 km/h (50 mph) | Cyclonic Storm |
| 06.12.23/0000 | 140 km (87 miles) S of Nellore | 40 – 50 km/h (25 – 31 mph), gusting to 60 km/h (37 mph) | Depression |
| 06.12.23/1200 | 120 km (75 miles) S of Nellore | 20 – 30 km/h (12 – 19 mph), gusting to 40 km/h (25 mph) | Low Pressure Area |
Rainfall warnings include light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in specific areas of North Coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, and Odisha. Wind warnings indicate gale wind speeds and squally conditions in the Bay of Bengal and along various coastal regions.
Sea conditions are expected to be very rough to high in the southwest Bay of Bengal and along the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts until the morning of December 4 (UTC), with similar conditions in the west-central Bay of Bengal and along the south Andhra Pradesh coast. Fishermen are advised against venturing into certain sea areas until December 6 (UTC).
A storm surge of about 1 – 1.5 m (3.3 – 4.9 feet) above the astronomical tide is likely to inundate parts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh at the time of landfall. Expected damages include impacts on various structures, agriculture, and possible flooding and landslides in affected areas.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including suspending fishing operations, avoiding vulnerable areas, and staying indoors.
References:
1 Cyclonic Storm “Michaung” (BOB/06/2023) – RSMC New Delhi – 03:00 UTC on December 3, 2023
Featured image: Tropical Cyclone “Michaung” at 06:30 UTC on December 3, 2023. Credit: EUMETSAT, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
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