The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified Cyclone Shakthi — the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea — as a “severe cyclonic storm.”
However, officials confirm that the cyclone poses no direct threat to the Maharashtra or Gujarat coasts, though rough seas and gusty winds are expected over the next few days.
🌊 Cyclone Shakthi’s Current Position and Movement
As of 11:30 AM on Sunday, Cyclone Shakthi was centered about 210 km southeast of Ras Al Hadd (Oman), moving west-southwest at 15 km/h, according to the IMD.
The storm currently packs winds of 100 km/h, making it a severe cyclonic storm.
IMD forecasts that Cyclone Shakthi will:
- Continue moving west-southwest till Monday morning,
- Gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm,
- Recurve eastward over the west-central and adjoining northwest Arabian Sea after October 6,
- And finally weaken into a depression by October 7.
“The system is weakening gradually and poses no major threat to the Indian coastline,” said an IMD official.
⚠️ Sea Conditions: Rough Weather Ahead
Sea conditions will remain rough to very rough along the Gujarat–North Maharashtra coast and Pakistan coast till Sunday night, the IMD warned.
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.
Wind speeds of 45–55 km/h, gusting up to 65 km/h, are likely along the North Maharashtra coast till October 5.
🌧️ Situation in Maharashtra
The IMD has placed Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts under cyclone watch, forecasting light to moderate rainfall through the week.
IMD scientist Sushma Nair clarified that there is no cyclone threat to the Maharashtra coast:
“Only light to moderate rains with occasional gusty winds are expected in Mumbai and nearby districts.”
As a precaution, the Maharashtra government has instructed district administrations to:
- Activate disaster management units,
- Prepare evacuation plans for low-lying areas,
- Issue advisories against sea travel,
- And ensure public safety during periods of heavy rainfall.
🌦️ Situation in Gujarat
According to IMD Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s coastal districts may witness heavy rainfall as the storm changes direction.
“Cyclone Shakthi will recurve on October 6 morning, moving towards the east-northeast direction.
There is no need to panic; the impact over Gujarat will be minimal,”
said Abhimanyu Chauhan of IMD Ahmedabad.
Heavy rainfall is expected on October 8 in:
Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli.
📊 Cyclone Shakthi: Latest Developments at a Glance
1️⃣ Intensity: Severe Cyclonic Storm with winds up to 100 km/h
2️⃣ Current Location: ~420 km off Dwarka coast
3️⃣ Movement: West-southwest till Oct 6 → Recurve east-northeast thereafter
4️⃣ Impact: Light–moderate rain, strong winds in coastal Maharashtra & Gujarat
5️⃣ Forecast: Weakening into a depression by October 7–8
🌀 IMD Forecast Summary
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Cyclone Name | Shakthi |
| Category | Severe Cyclonic Storm |
| Current Location | 210 km SE of Ras Al Hadd, Oman |
| Wind Speed | 100 km/h (gusting 120 km/h) |
| Movement | West-Southwest → Recurving East-Northeast (after Oct 6) |
| Expected Weakening | Cyclonic Storm (Oct 6) → Depression (Oct 7) |
| Impact Zones | Coastal Maharashtra & Gujarat |
| Threat Level | Minimal (no landfall expected) |
