India: Cyclonic Storm Nivar forms in Bay of Bengal November 24

Event

Cyclonic Storm Nivar formed out of a Deep Depression in the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, November 24. As of 05:30 (local time), Nivar was located 410km (255mi) east-southeast of Puducherry and 450km (280mi) southeast of Chennai. Nivar is currently forecast to become a Severe Cyclonic Storm in the next 24 hours as it moves northwestwards towards the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coast. The India Meteorological Department expects the storm to make landfall between Karaikal (Puducherry) and Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu) as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained winds of 100-110 kph (62-68mph) on Wednesday, November 25. The storm is most likely to make landfall over the city of Puducherry.

A red alert (the highest on a four-tier scale) has been issued for Puducherry and Tamil Nadu for Tuesday and Wednesday, signalling extremely heavy rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions. All warnings currently relating to Nivar can be found here.

Associated disruptions to transport, business, and utilities are possible over the coming days as the storm system passes.

Context

India's coastlines are susceptible to cyclones from April through December. Tropical disturbances can and have caused significant human casualties and widespread damage, primarily from flooding but also from wind damage.

Advice

Those in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are advised to monitor weather reports, confirm road conditions before heading out, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and adhere to any directives or advice issued by the local authorities and their home governments.