India/Bangladesh: Cyclone to move along Bay of Bengal coast Apr. 30-May 5 /update 1

Event

Cyclone Fani is expected to curve northeastward and follow the coastline, bringing sever weather to the coast of India and Bangladesh. Areas from Tamil Nadu state to West Bengal state, including Kolkata, and large parts of southern Bangladesh are likely to experience heavy rain, strong winds, high storm surge and associated flooding and other disruptions. Moderate rain is forecast to begin on Tuesday, April 30, in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh states, though more significant effects of the storm will be felt beginning Thursday, May 2, particularly in coastal Andhra Pradesh state before storm continues to move northeast. Fani and the worst parts of the storm will be felt in Odisha and West Bengal states of India along with southern Bangladesh over the weekend of May 4-5. Heavy rain and storm surges may cause flooding across the area. Strong winds may also result in power and telecommunication outages; road closures and other transportation disruptions, including train and flight delays and cancelations, are also possible for the region.

As of 08:30 (local time) on Monday, April 29, Fani is located 938 km (582 mi) southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu state) and producing sustained winds of 83 kph (52 mph). It is forecast to strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 3 Atlantic hurricane by Friday, May 3, with winds of 200 kph (125 mph) and gusts up to 250 kph (155 mph).

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate severe weather, including heavy rain, damaging winds, and possible flooding, and associated disruptions to power, telecommunications, and transportation, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.