The India Meteorological Department has placed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on high alert after identifying a potent cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify rapidly from November 21 onwards, potentially triggering widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall and hazardous sea conditions across the Union Territory.

According to the latest IMD bulletin issued on Thursday, Nicobar Islands are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging between 7-20 cm at isolated locations, while Andaman Islands will experience heavy falls of 7-11 cm. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are forecast for November 24-25, posing additional risks to life and property.

Sea conditions are set to deteriorate sharply, with squally weather and surface winds of 35-45 kmph gusting up to 55 kmph expected over the Andaman Sea until November 23. The IMD has hoisted Local Cautionary Signal-3 at Port Blair Port and issued a strict advisory for fishermen to refrain from venturing into deep sea areas along and off the North Andaman Sea during this period.

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Authorities have warned of surging waves and rough to very rough seas, urging boat operators, hut owners, and tourists to exercise extreme caution. All water-based recreational activities must be undertaken only after strict adherence to safety guidelines, while the administration has directed the public to avoid entering the sea until conditions improve.

In anticipation of the adverse weather, the Directorate of Shipping Services has announced possible last-minute suspension or rescheduling of inter-island, mainland-bound, and foreshore sector vessel operations. Harbour and vehicle ferry services connecting key jetties including Chatham, Bambooflat, Dundas Point, Hopetown, and Phoenix Bay may also face sudden disruption, with passenger safety cited as the paramount concern.

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