NEW DELHI, June 1 (Xinhua) -- India Meteorological Department (IMD) Monday said the low-pressure area developing over the Arabian sea was likely to intensify into a severe cyclone and cross north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts on Wednesday.
"The depression over east central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea moved nearly northward with a speed of 7 kmph during past three hours and lay centred near latitude 13.2°N and longitude 71.4°E about 360 km southwest of Panjim (Goa), 670km south-southwest of Mumbai (Maharashtra) and 900 km south-southwest of Surat (Gujarat).
It is very likely to intensify into a deep depression over east central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during next 12 hours and intensify further into a cyclonic storm over east central Arabian Sea during the subsequent 24 hours. It is very likely to move nearly northwards initially till 2nd June morning and then recurve north-northeastwards and cross north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts," the IMD said.
According to IMD, the cyclone is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coast during Wednesday evening or night.
Heavy rains are expected in south Gujarat and coastal Maharashtra.
The IMD said sea condition was very likely to be rough to very rough over east central and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during next 48 hours.
Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the southeast Arabian sea, Lakshadweep area and along and off Kerala coast until Thursday.
Last month cyclone Amphan hit West Bengal and Odisha killing 80 people and causing large-scale destruction. Enditem
