Arabian Sea: Tropical Cyclone 2 tracking south-southwestward in the Arabian Sea as of early Aug. 30

Tropical Cyclone 2 is tracking south-southwestward in the Arabian Sea, off Gujarat State, India, early Aug. 30. As of 08:00 PKT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 204 km (127 miles) southeast of Karachi, Pakistan.

Forecast models indicate that the weather system will strengthen slightly through early Aug. 31 before weakening again, but remain a cyclonic storm as it tracks westward just south of Pakistan through early Sept. 1. The storm is likely to weaken into a deep depression as it tracks westward towards northeastern Oman through early Sept. 2. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 30, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of widespread rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across southern Sindh Province through Aug. 31 and across southern Balochistan Province Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Strong winds and rough seas are likely; officials have advised fishermen in Sindh Province to not go out to sea through Aug. 31 and those in Balochistan Province through Sept. 1. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.