New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported late in the night that Cyclone Tauktae, which is currently centered on Lakshadweep, has turned into a cyclonic storm on Saturday morning. This has further increased the threat in coastal areas. IMD tweeted, "Deep seasonal depression in Lakshadweep and surrounding Areas of the Arabian Sea has turned into a cyclonic storm Tauktae."

The cyclone is expected to hit India's west coast, which has led the Indian Navy to assure the state administration of help. A Navy expert tweeted that Indian Navy ships, aircraft, helicopters, divers and disaster relief teams are ready with the help of the state administration. Earlier on Friday, IMD had warned that the cyclone could turn into a 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' with wind speed of 160kmph from 150kmph by May 17. The cycling will move north and north-east for some more time and reach the gujarat coast by May 18.

The cyclone is likely to hit the ground near Mangrol between Veraval and Porbandar in Gujarat. The administration has already issued alerts on Mangrol, Veraval, Porbandar, Kutch and Dwarka. All fishermen in the area have also been advised not to go to the sea and stay on the shore.

Deep Depression intensified into a Cyclonic Storm ?Tauktae? (pronounced as Tau?Te) over Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast & eastcentral Arabian Sea: Cyclone watch for south Gujarat & Diu coasts. https://t.co/KLRdEFp9rJ pic.twitter.com/ed435mJ9x9

? India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 14, 2021

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