The cyclone is sparing a direct hit for the Bay Islands and heading nearly northward, targeting Myanmar coast. Winds in excess of 33 knots, while over seas qualify these systems to be upgraded to cyclonic storm.
Cyclone Asani: The well-marked low-pressure area over South Andaman Sea has intensified into a depression today morning at 5:30 hrs. Depression is expected to intensify into a deep depression by the evening of March 20 and into a cyclone Asani by early morning tomorrow, i.e. March 21st.
There is no likelihood of any storm over Arabian Sea during March this year. Negating this possibility in April as well, will be too early to pre-empt and reliable prediction will be possible only beginning of the month.
Pre-Monsoon season begins in the beginning of March, also known as pre-Monsoon Cyclone season. Due to increasing heat potential in the ocean waters, heat starts building up over the Southern Peninsula.
Wind speed in coastal areas would be around 60-80 kmph from Dec 4 afternoon. IMD advised people in affected areas to remain indoors as there is a possibility of landslides in hilly areas.