Increasing numbers of cyclones in changing times However, the presence of Tauktae in the Arabian Sea at this time of the year is concerning, and closely follows the very visible trend of an increasing number of severe, strong cyclones in the sea.Īlso read: Navy rescues 177 from barge adrift off oil fields in Bombay High due to Cyclone Tauktae The last two have wind speeds of over 160 kmph and 210 kmph, respectively. The IMD categorises tropical storms, which rotate in an anti-clockwise direction, into Depression, Deep Depression, Cyclonic Storm, Severe Cyclonic Storm, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, and Super Cyclonic Storm. The storm moved along the coast of Karnataka on 15 May, beginning a rapid intensification from a ‘Severe Cyclonic Storm’ to a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’, and then to an ‘Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm’. It originated in the Arabian Sea and was first observed by the Indian Meteorological Department on 13 May moving eastward, and then subsequently north, while intensifying. The cyclone is currently classified as an ‘Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm’ and is the fifth-strongest cyclone ever in recorded history in the Arabian Sea. "Just be prepared while you enjoy Christmas and keep alert to warnings and information that come from the relevant authorities.Bengaluru: The powerful Cyclone Tauktae (pronounced ‘tau-tay’ in Burmese) battered the coast of Gujarat Tuesday morning, unleashing a fury of rainfall and winds in the states along the west coast. "Don't wait until the last minute, preparations should have been done and then wait for the FMS advice, along with NDMO and the other agencies involved. "So I think communities in Fiji have some experience in terms of severe cyclones," Atalifo said. "The main message is people need to be prepared - whatever the category doesn't really matter, what matters is being prepared."Ītalifo said most Fijians had experienced severe cyclones such as Winston in 2016 and more recently Yasa - both at Category 5. "We won't be able to tell how severe but when we say severe we are looking at a Category 3 and above - that's the kind of outlook that we are talking about. "Our prediction remains one to three cyclones for Fiji and we might have one to two severe cyclones out of the three that we anticipate," he said. The widespread devastation left one person dead, and tens of thousands fleeing their homes.įiji Meteorological Service acting director Terry Atalifo said Fijians should expect one or two severe tropical cyclones this season.Īddressing the fourth National Climate Outlook Forum in Suva, Atalifo said the status quo remained, however, two out of the three would be very strong storms. Photo: Justin Naisua Be prepared, Fijians toldįiji was hit with three cyclones amid the Covid-19 pandemic last year. In the background is the visible evidence of cyclone damage to the island. Ten year old Epineri Lata takes a dip in the ocean to escape the intense heat on the island of Kia in Fiji. "Some of the bigger rainfall estimates for this week include Auckland, Waihi Beach, Tauranga and Katikati, Whakatāne and Kawerau, Stratford, Taupō and Nelson." "The rain this week in NZ will actually precede the tropical cyclone (which will technically be ex-tropical by the time it gets closest to NZ - this is because the core of the storm switches from warm air to cold air). "The cyclone itself may well stay offshore from New Zealand later this week - but the lows around NZ will connect to it, all linking 'arms' to help pull down moisture-rich tropical air over NZ and that brings with it drizzle, downpours and high humidity," it said. There will be a lot of rain, clouds, humidity and drizzle for parts of New Zealand.Ī severe weather warning for heavy rain is now in force for the Bay of Plenty, WeatherWatch NZ said. Residents in New Caledonia are being urged to pay close attention to the weather updates. On its forecasted track, Tropical Cyclone Ruby is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and gale (65km/h) to storm (100km/h) force winds to majority of New Caledonia including the Loyalty Islands from Tuesday morning. It may reach 'severe' Category 3 strength later this week. The weather offices said on Monday the category two storm, currently lying close to New Caledonia, had formed on Sunday afternoon but is gaining power. The cyclone season in the Pacific is from November to April. Tropical Cyclone Ruby Photo: Fiji Meteorological Service