Cyclonic storm Ashobaa is the first tropical storm of the pre-monsoon season in the Indian seas. After sustaining strength of deep depression for quite some time, the system over east-central Arabian Sea intensified into a cyclonic storm on Monday afternoon.
The system is centered at 17.9°N and 67.2°E and is lying about 590 km west-southwest of Mumbai and 470 km southwest of Veraval, Gujarat.
It is moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph and is punched with the wind speed of 75 kmph gusting up to 90 kmph.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, the system has potential to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours.
Present scenario indicates that it is drifting away from the Indian coast. However, we need to wait and watch for next 24 hours for any significant deviation from its expected path.
In wake of the system, sea conditions are expected to be very rough with high tides along and off the coasts of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra during the next 24 to 48 hours.
State authorities have issued immediate warnings for fishermen out in sea to return to the coast. Also, fishermen in Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat are advised not to venture out in the sea during next 48 hours.
