Cyclone Shakti intensifies into severe storm, IMD issues alert for Maharashtra coast

IMD says Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and other districts could see heavy rain and rough seas as Cyclone Shakti intensifies.

Cyclone Shakti, the first cyclonic storm of the season in the Arabian Sea, has intensified into a severe storm and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall along the Maharashtra coast in the coming days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

Maharashtra districts on alert

While the cyclone's center is positioned away from India's coastline, its outer bands are expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of Maharashtra. Interior districts, particularly East Vidarbha and Marathwada, are likely to experience intense showers on October 3-4, which may lead to flooding in low-lying areas of North Konkan. Thunderstorms and moderate rainfall are also forecast for Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada due to a depression over interior Odisha that is contributing to the weather system.

The Maharashtra government has instructed district administrations to activate disaster management systems, prepare evacuation plans for vulnerable areas, issue public advisories, and ensure safety during the heavy rains. Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune, and Ratnagiri districts are currently under a "yellow alert."

Rainfall outlook

Although Cyclone Shakti is not expected to make landfall in India, its outer bands will impact coastal and interior regions. East Vidarbha and Marathwada are likely to see heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 3 and 4. North Konkan may face flooding in low-lying areas, while thunderstorms and moderate rain are also expected in Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada. Another depression over Odisha is adding to the rainfall activity.

Current position and track

As of Saturday morning, the IMD said the cyclone was centred about 420 km west of Dwarka in Gujarat and 290 km south-southwest of Karachi in Pakistan. Moving northwest at nearly 13 kmph, the system is projected to track west-southwestwards towards the central Arabian Sea by October 5.

Government measures
The Maharashtra government has directed district administrations to activate disaster management systems, prepare evacuation plans, and ensure readiness in vulnerable areas. Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune and Ratnagiri remain under a yellow alert.

IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra earlier said Maharashtra is likely to see above-normal rainfall in October, as reported by Hindustan Times. With Cyclone Shakti intensifying, authorities are preparing for another round of heavy showers and turbulent seas.