The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that Cyclone Shakhti, the first post-monsoon cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea this year, has escalated into a severe cyclonic storm, churning waters with sustained wind speeds of 100 kmph and gusts up to 125 kmph.  Officials urged caution as the storm moves away, emphasising preparedness in vulnerable coastal districts.

Sea conditions remain rough to very rough off the Gujarat-North Maharashtra and Pakistan coasts until Sunday, with squally winds of 75-85 kmph gusting to 95 kmph expected to intensify further. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the northwest, northeast, and central Arabian Sea or along the Gujarat-Maharashtra coastline until Tuesday, October 7, to avoid high waves and hazardous conditions.

Maharashtra's coastal districts, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, are under a high-to-moderate cyclone warning from October 3 to 7. Winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along the north Maharashtra coast until October 5, potentially strengthening with the storm's progression. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in interior regions like Marathwada and east Vidarbha, raising flood risks in low-lying north Konkan areas.

The state government has activated disaster management protocols, instructing district administrations to prepare evacuation plans, issue public advisories, and stock essentials. Mumbai, still recovering from last week's deluge that prompted red alerts, faces above-normal October rainfall, per IMD's monthly forecast.

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Gujarat anticipates minimal direct impact, with IMD's Ahmedabad unit assuring no cause for panic as Shakhti recurves eastward on October 6. Squally weather may persist offshore, but land areas like Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Daman, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli could see heavy rain by October 8. Nationally, the storm underscores the Arabian Sea's increasing cyclone activity—three in 2024 alone—linked to warmer sea surface temperatures from climate change.

The IMD's early warnings have enabled proactive measures, but experts call for enhanced coastal infrastructure to mitigate recurring disruptions in this vital economic corridor.

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