A low-pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify into a depression by November 15, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.
The system formed at 5.30 am under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the central Andaman Sea and adjoining Andaman and Nicobar Islands, according to the IMD’s latest weather update.
The weather department said the low-pressure area is likely to move northwestwards and become a well-marked low-pressure area around November 14 before intensifying into a depression over the same region by November 15.
Squally weather warning
The IMD has forecast squally weather over the Andaman Sea on November 13 and 14, with wind speeds of around 50 kmph and gusts reaching 60 kmph. Similar conditions are likely over the southeast Bay of Bengal from November 13 to 16.
Wind speeds over the southwest Bay of Bengal are expected to reach 55 kmph, with gusts of up to 65 kmph, from November 15 to 17. The central Bay of Bengal is also likely to witness similar wind conditions on November 16 and 17.
The IMD has warned that the system may intensify further into a cyclonic storm. Squally winds are also expected over the Gulf of Mannar and Comorin areas on November 13 and 14.
Fishing operations suspended in Tuticorin
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department has barred fishermen in Tuticorin district from venturing into the sea until further notice.
Fishing has come to a halt in coastal villages from Vembar to Periyathazhai following the order. More than 270 mechanised boats, 2,000 country boats and 5,000 fibre boats remain anchored at the Tuticorin fishing harbour and along the coast.
The ban has affected the livelihoods of more than 50,000 fishermen in the district.
The strict restrictions come after Cyclone Murasu claimed the lives of nine fishermen from Kasimedu in Chennai when their boat capsized.
