Cyclone 'Senyar' forming; heavy rain forecast in southern India, Andaman
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that a well-marked low-pressure area over Malaysia and the adjoining Strait of Malacca will intensify into a cyclonic storm in the south Bay of Bengal within 48 hours. The system is currently moving west-northwestward and is likely to first develop into a depression over the south Andaman Sea in the next 24 hours.
Storm impact
Cyclone 'Senyar' could bring heavy rainfall to southern states
If the system intensifies into a cyclonic storm, it will be named "Senyar," meaning "lion" in Arabic. The name was given by the United Arab Emirates as part of a rotating list for North Indian Ocean storms. According to IMD's early-morning satellite analysis, intense convection is ongoing over the south Andaman Sea and nearby areas with winds estimated at 15-20 knots (28-37km/h), gusting to 30 knots (55km/h).
Weather warning
IMD forecasts heavy rainfall, thunderstorms across southern states
The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu between November 25 and 27, with very heavy rainfall on November 24 and again from November 28 to 30. Kerala and Mahe are also likely to receive heavy rain between November 24 and 26, while Lakshadweep may see showers on November 24. Meanwhile, heavy rain is expected in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 25 and again on November 29, with very heavy rain between November 26 and 28.
Storm forecast
Thunderstorms, gusty winds expected in southern regions
Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam may receive heavy rainfall on November 29, followed by very heavy rain on November 30. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely over Tamil Nadu from November 24 until 28; Kerala and Mahe between November 24 and 26; Lakshadweep on November 24; Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam from November 27 through 28. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands may also witness thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 40-50km/h over the next six days.