‘Michaung’ gaining strength; Cyclone will affect thulavarsham, says Meteorological Centre

NEW DELHI: The meteorological centre has informed that Cyclone 'Michaung' formed in the Bay of Bengal is gaining strength. 'Michaung' is the sixth cyclone to make landfall this year. Myanmar proposed the name for the cyclone. Coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been issued a second phase warning in connection with the cyclone. Heavy rains have started in cities including Chennai in Tamil Nadu following Michaung. As part of the cyclonic storm, the cyclone will approach the south Andhra Pradesh/North Tamil Nadu coast by Monday morning, then turn northwards and move parallel to the south Andhra Pradesh coast and make landfall between Nellore and Machili town on December 5 morning with a maximum speed of 100 kmph.

Michaung is presently approaching Tamil Nadu and from there it will be diverted to Andhra. Therefore, the thulavarsha winds, which is supposed to reach Kerala, will change its direction and go towards that side. This will affect the monsoon rains. Coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will witness heavy rain on December 4 and 5. The Central Meteorological Department has informed that the strength of the cyclone will decrease on December 6.

The rain part of Thulavarsham will not be lost completely. There may be a decrease in the amount of rain received. Thulavarsham is usually received till December 31st. We have received more rain than last year and there was a lack of 3% rain.