04 Dec 2023 | 03:06 AM UTC
Bay of Bengal: Tropical Cyclone Michaung tracking northwestwards in the western area of Bay of Bengal early Dec. 4 /update 1
TC Michaung tracking northwestwards in Bay of Bengal early Dec. 4. Landfall over Andhra Pradesh State, India, forecast early Dec. 5.
Tropical Cyclone Michaung is tracking northwestwards in the western part of the Bay of Bengal early Dec. 4. As of 08:30 IST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 111 km (69 miles) east-northeast of Chennai, India. Forecast models indicate that the system will strengthen further as it tracks northwards along the southern coast of Andhra Pradesh State, India, before making landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh State early Dec. 5. After landfall, the system is forecast to weaken rapidly into a depression as it tracks northwards then north-northeastwards across Andhra Pradesh State through Dec. 5 and across far southeastern Telangana State early Dec. 6 before dissipating over southern Chhattisgarh State early Dec. 7. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.
The India Meteorological Department has issued red (highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain, thunderstorm, strong wind, and lightning warnings across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states and Puducherry Union Territory Dec. 4 and across coastal Andhra Pradesh State Dec. 5. Orange heavy rain and strong wind warnings are in place across Odisha and Telangana states Dec. 5. Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.
Several flights could not land at Chennai International Airport (MAA) Dec. 4 and were diverted to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru due to the severe weather. Reports indicate that parts of Chennai are flooded; several subways, metro stations, and roads are closed. Power outages have been reported in parts of Chennai.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast adverse weather conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surges. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
