In a tweet, the IMD said, "Deep Depression intensified into a Cyclonic Storm 'Tauktae' (pronounced as Tau'Te) over Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast & east central Arabian Sea: Cyclone watch for south Gujarat & Diu coasts."
Cyclone Tauktae is likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours. According to the weather department, it is very likely to move north-northwestwards and reach near Gujarat coast by May 18.
As a precautionary measure, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has ordered officials to be vigilant and well-equipped to handle the cyclone.
Uddhav Thackeray has further directed officials to take necessary precautions in Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg districts where the impact of Cyclone Tauktae will likely be felt.
Meanwhile, on Friday, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials said they are well-prepared ahead of Cyclone Tauktae which is likely to strike the coasts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
According to the weather department, the impact of the cyclone will be felt in southeast, east central & northeast Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep islands, Maldives area, triggering heavy rainfall in Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and also the coastal & adjoining districts of all these states
Coastal districts of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa are likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall causing flash floods and landslides till May 16.
Inundation of low-lying areas of the Lakshadweep Islands will continue May 16, it added.
Squally weather and gale winds around the system centre will also affect shipping vessels and fishing operations.
Thunderstorms and lightning in the affected districts would adversely affect humans and livestock, the IMD warned.
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