10 Oct 2018 | 06:41 AM UTC
India: Storm to intensify to Very Severe Cyclone, hit east coast October 11 /update 1
Cyclone Titli forecast to strengthen to “Very Severe Cyclone” before hitting Odisha October 11, affecting areas from Andhra Pradesh to Mizoram; damaging winds and heavy rain expected; transportation and electricity disruptions are possible
Event
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange weather alerts on Wednesday, October 10, for much of the east coast of India ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Titli. While its effects will begin on Wednesday, the cyclone is predicted to make landfall at Odisha on Thursday, October 11, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain from northern Andhra Pradesh to Mizoram. Strong winds are expected to damage infrastructure, including telecommunications, electricity, and homes, and produce debris. Rainfall of 10-20 cm (4-8 in) and up to 30 cm (12 in) may cause flash flooding and damage to roads. Transportation, electricity, and telecommunications disruptions are possible in Odisha.
Titli is forecast to strengthen to a Very Severe Cyclone as it moves north, intensifying to produce sustained winds of 150 km/h (92 mph) and gusts up to 185 km/h (115 mph). As of 05:30 (local time) on Wednesday, the storm was 390 km (242 mi) south of Puri. It is expected to hit Odisha before curving to the northeast, weakening but still bringing heavy rain to West Bengal and southern portions of northeast India. The storm is expected to bring the most damage to Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts of Andhra Pradesh and Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Puri districts of Odisha.
Context
Tropical cyclones are common in the Bay of Bengal from May through December.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas should monitor local weather reports, anticipate heavy rain, wind damage, and flooding, anticipate transportation disruptions and confirm the status of their flight, avoid low-lying areas, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
