Cyclone 'Phet' intensifies into severe cyclonic storm

Tropical cyclone 'Phet' in the Arabian sea intensified further into a severe cyclonic storm, moved northwestward, and lay centred 1,000 km southwest of Naliya in Kutch district of Gujarat even as some parts of the state received rainfall.

Several parts of Maharashtra including Mumbai, Pune and adjoining areas also received sporadic rainfall due to the tropical cyclone.

Sky in the coastal towns of the state was overcast and the temperature had come down considerably.

According to weather department, wind speed in the coastal areas of Gujarat would reach 65-75 kmph by June 3 and increase gradually.

Officials said that under the influence of 'Phet', widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy falls would commence over coastal areas of Gujarat from June 4, and increase thereafter.

According to Sati Devi, Director, India Meteorological Department, Mumbai, severe cyclonic winds of 120-140 kmph speed is churning the Arabian Sea about 1100-1200 km west-southwest of Mumbai and 600 km away from Oman.

The tropical cyclone interrupted the proceedings for the Tata Nano plant in Ahmedabad.

Cyclone Phet soon forced the event to be abandoned as winds and rain blasted into the area.

The cyclone has been named 'Phet' as per a suggestion made by Thailand to the IMD.

The ports in the state have also been asked to hoist distress warning signal 2.