IMD warns of heavy rain in Andamans due to cyclonic circulation

Port Blair, Sep 23 (PTI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Cyclone alert' in the archipelago, due to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify from September 24, officials said on Tuesday.

Local port warnings have been issued in the wake of the weather system, which is likely to cause heavy rainfall till September 25, they said.

"Thunderstorm with gusty wind (40-50 kmph) and lightning is very likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 24," officials said.

"Heavy rain (07-11 cm) is very likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman Island, and thunderstorm with gusty wind (40-50 kmph) and lightning is also very likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 25 and 26," he said.

"Thunderstorm with gusty wind (40-50 kmph) and lightning is very likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 27 and 28. Squally weather with surface wind speed reaching 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph is very likely to prevail over the Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar coast," the official said.

In the coming five days, sea conditions are likely to be rough, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar coast till September 25.

Due to the possibility of surging waves, boat owners, Islanders and tourists have been advised by the administration to ply their boats with utmost vigilance, and recreation activities have to be carried out with due care.

Meanwhile, in view of the weather advisory issued by the IMD indicating formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) is most likely to reschedule sailing of vessels to Campbell Bay, Nancowry, Katchal and other islands.

"Passengers and the general public have been informed that due to prevailing inclement weather conditions, the vessel Sindhu will not call at Katchal Port during her scheduled voyage to Campbell Bay via Nancowry and Katchal on September 23 from Port Blair and her return voyage on September 25 from Campbell Bay via the same route," a DSS official said. PTI SN SN RG