Cyclone forming over Bay of Bengal floods parts of Sri Lanka
A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, located 170 km (106 miles) from Batticaloa and 240 km (149 miles) from Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by November 27, 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas to Sri Lanka and south India.
Image credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat, Zoom Earth, The Watchers. Acquired at 18:00 UTC on November 26, 2024
Heavy rains produced by a cyclone forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal in recent days caused damaging floods in Sri Lanka, affecting over 15 500 people in the Northern Province on November 25. The worst-affected districts were Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, and Mullaitivu.
According to local media reports, one person was killed and another was injured by a collapsing wall in Bandarawela.
Authorities expressed fears the number of affected people will increase in the days ahead as the depression continues intensifying.
As of 05:30 UTC (11:00 LT) on November 26, the center of the storm was located approximately 170 km (106 miles) from Batticaloa and 240 km (149 miles) from Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
The system is forecast to develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of November 27 as it moves near Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. Heavy showers and strong gusty winds are expected in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva, Northwestern, and Central provinces of Sri Lanka.
Rainfall exceeding 200 mm (8 inches) is expected in parts of the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Central, Uva, and Southern provinces, as well as in the Puttalam District. Heavy showers exceeding 100 mm (4 inches) are likely in other areas across the island.
High winds of 60 – 70 km/h (37 – 44 mph) are likely to cause rough seas around the island. Swell waves of 2.5 – 3 m (8 – 10 feet) are anticipated along the coastal region extending from Batticaloa to Kankasanthurai via Trincomalee, with potential surges due to these waves. Naval and fishing communities have been advised to avoid venturing out to sea during the storm.
The Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology has issued multiple Red, Yellow, and Orange warnings for strong winds and heavy rainfall across the island.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the deep depression will intensify into a cyclonic storm by 17:30 LT on November 27 (12:00 UTC), with winds of 60 – 70 km/h (37 – 44 mph) and gusts of up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
Rainfall warnings have been issued for several Indian states. Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 205 mm (8 inches) on November 26 – 27.
Light to moderate rainfall is forecast in Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, with heavy rainfall of 64 – 115 mm (2 – 5 inches) likely in isolated areas.
Localized flooding of roads and waterlogging in low-lying areas are expected in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and southern Andhra Pradesh. Traffic disruptions due to flooding, as well as damage to crops and unpaved (kutcha) roads, are possible.
References:
1 Warning for Deep Depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal – DOM – November 26, 2024
2 Depression intensified into a deep depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal – IMD – November 26, 2024
3 ගංවතුරින් උතුරේ 16,000 කට ආසන්න ජනතාව පීඩාවට – ITN News – Noember 25, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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