Arabian Sea: Tropical Cyclone Asna tracking west-northwestward in the Arabian Sea as of early Aug. 31 /update 1

Tropical Cyclone Asna is tracking west-northwestward in the Arabian Sea, off Sindh Province, Pakistan, early Aug. 31. As of 08:00 PKT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 187 km (116 miles) southwest of Karachi, Pakistan.

Forecast models indicate that the weather system will strengthen slightly 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 eastern 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. 31, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across southern Sindh and southern Balochistan provinces through Sept. 1. The heavy rainfall may result in flooding in low-lying areas of the Makran coast. 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.