Cyclone Nisarga: Mumbai on high alert as storm expected to bring 110 kmph winds

Cyclonic storm 'Nisarga' will affect the coastal districts of , including Mumbai, more than Gujarat and other neighbouring states, the India Meteorological Department said. 

The IMD said that the depression in the Arabian Sea is slated to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm 'Nisarga' and cross north Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts between Harihareshwar in Raigad district and Daman on June 3.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said: "Monsoon vortex or cyclonic circulation has formed in the Arabian Sea. As per our predictions, Maharashtra coastal districts like Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Thane, Raigad, Mumbai and Palghar will be more affected by it."

This depression is currently 690 km away from Mumbai. There could be inundation in low-lying areas, townships, and city areas. Wind speed could also cause damage to trees, telephone, and electric poles, he added.

'We are expecting extremely heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm here on June 3'

He said that the rainfall in Maharashtra's coastal districts will increase on June 2 and intensify further on June 3. "We are expecting extremely heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm here on June 3."

The current depression is likely to intensify into a deep depression by evening on Monday and become furious and turn into a cyclonic storm in the early hours of the morning on June 2. It will then amplify into a severe cyclonic storm by evening or night of June 3 and make landfall.

The Director-General said that the severe cyclonic storm will have a wind speed of 90-105 kmph when it crosses the coast. "We are accessing it continuously. Central and state government agencies have been informed and are taking the steps," he added.

Dr Sunitha Devi, scientist-in-charge for cyclones, said that the depression is currently located about 340 km southwest of Goa's Panjim, and 850 km south-south-west of Gujarat's Surat. Maharashtra and Gujarat are on pre-cyclone alert as very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall are expected in parts of the states on June 3 and June 4.

Due to its influence, the east-central Arabian Sea and south-east Arabian Sea is currently rough. Fishermen in Kerala, Lakshadweep, coastal Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat are advised not to venture into the sea till June 4.