11 Nov 2018 | 04:01 AM UTC
India: Cyclone heading toward Chennai forms in Bay of Bengal Nov. 10
Tropical Cyclone Seven forms in the Bay of Bengal on November 10; storm forecast to make landfall near Chennai (Tamil Nadu state) November 15
Event
A tropical cyclone, currently nicknamed Seven, is heading toward the east coast of India and is projected to make landfall near Chennai on Thursday, November 15. The storm formed on Saturday, November 10, and was producing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) as of 23:30 (local time) on Saturday. Heavy rain of 6.5-12.5 cm (2.5-5 in) and strong winds are expected in Tamil Nadu state and southern Andhra Pradesh state from Wednesday, November 14. Flooding and transportation disruptions are possible.
Seven is forecast to strengthen to a severe cyclonic storm, or the equivalent of an Atlantic tropical storm, with sustained winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) by the early hours of Tuesday, November 13. It is then predicted to weaken as it moves closer to land.
Context
Tropical cyclones are common in the Indian Ocean from April to December.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate flooding and transportation disruptions. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
