Cyclone Shakhti Approaches Gujarat Coast, Expected to Intensify
Cyclone Shakhti, the first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea during the post-monsoon season, was moving towards Dwarka off the Gujarat coast on Friday and is expected to intensify further, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The cyclonic storm over the northeast Arabian Sea moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 8 kmph during the last six hours and, as of 8:30 PM IST on Friday, was centered nearly 300 km west of Dwarka, 330 km south-southwest of Karachi (Pakistan), and 360 km west of Porbandar.
Named by Sri Lanka, Shakhti is forecast to initially move westwards, then take a west-southwestward path, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday morning. The IMD bulletin states that the storm is likely to continue moving west-southwestwards, reaching the central parts of north and adjoining central Arabian Sea by October 5.
Sea Conditions and Safety Warnings
Under the influence of Cyclone Shakhti, sea conditions are expected to be very rough to very rough along and off the Gujarat-north Maharashtra coast, as well as the Pakistan coast, until Sunday. The weather office has issued a strong advisory warning fishermen against venturing into the northwest Arabian Sea, adjoining areas of the northeast Arabian Sea, central Arabian Sea, and along and off the Gujarat-north Maharashtra coasts until Tuesday.
Recent Arabian Sea Cyclones and Forecast
In recent years, the Arabian Sea has seen fewer cyclones compared to the Bay of Bengal, with notable recent storms including Tauktae (2021) and Biparjoy (2023). According to the current forecast, Cyclone Shakhti is likely to remain offshore and intensify over the next two days before losing strength starting Monday morning.
Cyclone Warnings for Maharashtra Districts
The IMD has issued cyclone warnings for several districts in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. A high to moderate cyclone warning is in effect between October 3 and 7.
Winds reaching speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are expected along the North Maharashtra coast between October 3 and 5. Wind speeds may increase depending on the cyclone’s intensity. Sea conditions along the northern Maharashtra coast are forecast to be very rough until October 5.
Residents and fishermen are urged to stay alert, monitor updates from the IMD, and take necessary precautions during this period.