India/Sri Lanka: Cyclone Gaja to make landfall in southern India November 15 /update 2

Event

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that Cyclone Gaja will make landfall in southern India, between Cuddalore and Panban, on the afternoon (local time) of Thursday, November 15. The storm will affect coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, along with northern and north-central provinces of Sri Lanka.

The IMD has issued orange weather alerts (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for strong winds in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh on November 14; red alerts for wind and rain, the highest level, will come into effect in those states on November 15. Rainfall of more than 20 cm (8 in) is expected, along with winds of up to 145 km/h (90 mph). Inclement weather is expected to last through November 16, on which day orange alerts are set to be in place.

The Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology has similarly issued a weather advisory for strong winds and heavy rain for northern provinces, north-central provinces, and the Puttalam and Trincomalee districts through November 15.

Context

Tropical cyclones are common in the Indian Ocean from April to December.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate flooding, transportation, and telecommunication disruptions. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.