The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm as Cyclone Michaung is poised to hit the North Tamil Nadu coast, with landfall expected between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 4. This meteorological development has prompted the issuance of an ‘orange alert,’ indicating the potential for significant impact.
Anticipated Cyclone Intensity and Path
IMD forecasts suggest that Cyclone Michaung will escalate from a low-pressure area to a cyclonic storm, traversing the region between Nellore and Machilipatnam. The Director of Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, MD Sunanda, explains that the current depression is likely to transform into a deep depression within the next 24 hours and subsequently intensify into a cyclonic storm within 48 hours.
Impact on Tamil Nadu and Coastal Andhra Pradesh
From December 3 onwards, the IMD predicts heightened wind speed and increased rainfall along the northern Tamil Nadu and coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. Sunanda warns of light to moderate rainfall, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy isolated extremely heavy rainfall over south coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Evacuation and Precautionary Measures
Given the potential severity of Cyclone Michaung, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has instructed officials to take precautionary measures, including the evacuation of people from areas at risk. The Greater Chennai Police issued a warning, anticipating landfall along the north Tamil Nadu coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam, with winds reaching speeds of 100 kmph on Monday, December 4.
Alerts and Warnings by IMD
The IMD has issued an ‘Orange’ alert for moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Specific warnings include the possibility of dangers to thatched huts, structural vulnerabilities, tree branches breaking, and uprooting of small and medium-sized trees. Anticipated damages encompass minor disruptions to power and communication lines, major damage to kutcha structures, and minor harm to pucca roads due to heavy rain. Additionally, the IMD foresees potential harm to paddy crops, horticultural crops, and orchards.
Regional Rainfall Predictions and Cautionary Measures
The IMD has provided a series of warnings for different regions. In the North Coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry areas, light to moderate rainfall is expected on December 2, intensifying from December 3. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is also anticipated to experience light to moderate rainfall, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected at a few places on December 3-4.
In light of these forecasts, caution is advised, particularly for those residing in vulnerable structures and coastal regions. Fishermen are strongly cautioned against venturing into the sea during this period.
In conclusion, as Cyclone Michaung approaches, timely precautions and adherence to weather alerts are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in the affected regions. Stay informed and stay safe.
