Cyclonic Storm Mocha may spare Odisha, rains predicted in Andhra Pradesh

VISAKHAPATNAM: A cyclonic circulation, formed near Sri Lanka is likely to intensify into a depression and then a cyclonic storm in Bay of Bengal by May 10, 2023 but its anticipated landfall and impact is unpredictable at the moment, according to Gopalpur Meteorological Centre. Preliminary estimates predict that Cyclonic Storm Mocha might spare Odisha even as its drift after two days is unpredictable.

Rainfall is expected in several coastal and Rayalaseema districts of Andhra Pradesh from afternoon to evening on Sunday, under the influence of a minor troughline formation.

As per the inputs of Umashankar Das of Gopalpur Met Centre, the cyclonic circulation, formed over southeast Bay of Bengal at 8:30 am on Saturday near Sri Lanka, is likely to intensify into a low pressure in the next 24 hours by the morning of May 9. This will further intensify into a cyclonic storm (Cyclonic Storm Mocha) by May 10 and move northwards towards the central Bay of Bengal.

Cyclonic Storm Mocha was earlier expected to make its landfall between Odisha and West Bengal in the next four to five days. The Gopalpur Met official said that the cyclonic storm, after moving towards central Bay of Bengal, is likely to change its course and the exact point of its landfall is unpredictable as of now. Umashankar Das said that they would be able to get a clear picture on this on May 8 (Monday). As per preliminary study, the cyclonic storm may not reach Odisha coast, he added.

He said that, so far, no official warnings have been issued for sea ports in the state. Only the deep-fishing fishermen and trawlers have been advised to return to the coast by the evening of May 7 (Sunday) as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, rains are predicted in several parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema district under the influence of the formation of the cyclonic circulation. Andhra Pradesh Weatherman, tweeting to this effect on his Twitter handle ‘@APWeatherman96’, said: “Wind instability has improved very well in Bay of Bengal and Low Pressure is expected to form within 24 hours. A minor Trough Line (see 1st image) over Coastal #AndhraPradesh will definitely give Afternoon to Evening rains in districts like NTR, Eluru, Krishna, Guntur, Ubhaya Godavari, ASR, #Prakasam, #Bapatla, #Nellore, #Tirupati, Annamayya and some parts of #Kadapa, #Nandyal districts. Night/Mid-Night rains ahead for Anantapur and Kurnool districts.”