Cyclone Kyarr's intensity increases, heavy rainfall expected in Karnataka, Goa
What's the story
Heavy rainfall is expected in Goa and coastal Karnataka on Saturday, due to Cyclone Kyarr.
The weather department had on Friday warned that in the next 12-36 hours, the cyclonic storm would turn into "very severe".
After the reports came in, Goa government issued a red alert with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirming that disaster management teams have been put on stand by.
Kyarr
Kyarr was formed in east-central Arabian sea
Formed in the east-central Arabian Sea, Cyclone Kyarr intensified twice to become a deep depression.
However, the upgradation was a mere formality as Kyarr got enough traction, thanks to a supportive environment.
It is expected to move towards the Oman coast in the next few days.
The sea conditions are likely to remain rough and fishermen have been advised to exercise caution.
What happened
Kyarr has turned into "very severe cyclonic storm"
As expected, the intensity of Kyarr increased on Saturday and it turned into a "very severe cyclonic storm" from "severe cyclonic storm".
It might intensify into an "extremely severe cyclonic storm".
As per IMD, isolated places over large areas of peninsular India will get heavy rain in the next 48 hours. East and northeast areas will witness downpour in the coming 24 hours.
Details
Rainfall, accompanied by winds, will lash Goa and Karnataka
Separately, Skymet Weather said that since Kyarr is moving towards the West Central Arabian Sea, South Konkan and Goa will receive moderate rain. Showers will lash areas like Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri, as well as Panjim in the next 24 hours.
Isolated places in Karnataka will also witness rainfall.
The downpour will be accompanied by winds, whose speed could reach 200 kmph by Sunday.
Quote
Take a look at what officials said about wind speed
"The speed of gale wind reaching 90-100 km/hour, gusting to 110 km/hour is prevailing around the system center. It is very likely to reach 100-110 km/hour and 120-130 km/hour gusting to 145 km/hour by October 26," weather officials said.
Diwali
Meanwhile, Mumbai may witness damp Diwali this time
Naturally, the cyclone will have an impact on Mumbai. IMD has predicted that post-monsoon showers will continue till Sunday, the day when the nation will be celebrating Diwali.
However, till Friday no alert had been issued.
In the last 24 hours, till 8:30 am on Friday, 6.2 mm rainfall was recorded by Santacruz weather station and 6.4 mm was observed by the Colaba observatory.