IMD said the storm is likely to cause rainfall in several parts of the country (Representational)
A low-pressure area developing over the Arabian sea will intensify into a cyclonic storm in the next 48 hours and will reach parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts on June 3, weather agency India Meteorological Department said on Sunday. The warning comes days after Cyclone Amphan left a trail of destruction in West Bengal.
"The low-pressure area over Arabian Sea to intensify into Cyclonic Storm during next 48-hours. It would reach near north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts around 3rd June morning," the IMD tweeted.
"A low-pressure area has formed over southeast and adjoining east central Arabian sea and Lakshadweep area with associated cyclonic circulation extending up to mid-tropospheric levels," the regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, had earlier tweeted.
The cyclonic storm will likely cause rainfall in several parts of the country, the agency said.
"Under the influence of above system, light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls very likely over Lakshadweep area, Kerala and Coastal Karnataka on May 31 and June 1 (will take place). Light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy falls very likely over Konkan and Goa on 2nd an 3rd June," the weather office said in a statement.
"Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places over north Konkan and north Madhya Maharashtra on 3rd and 4th June (is likely). Light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy falls likely over south Gujarat state, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli on 3rd June and with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places," it added.
IMD has warned of high waves up to four meters in coastal areas of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep. It has also warned of high-velocity wind in the affected regions.
"Squally wind, speed reaching 45-55 kmph (kilometre per hour) gusting to 65 kmph, very likely to prevail over southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian sea, Lakshadweep area and along and off Kerala coast during next 48 hours. It will gradually increase becoming Gale wind speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph over east-central Arabian Sea and along and off Karnataka- south Maharashtra coasts from 2nd June morning and further becoming 90-100 kmph gusting 110 kmph over east-central and north-east Arabian Sea along and off Maharashtra and Gujarat," it said.
98 deaths linked to Cyclone Amphan were reported in West Bengal, beside extensive damage to infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the state later, had announced an interim relief package of Rs 1,000 crore.