Cyclone Nilofer to hit Gujarat coast with reduced intensity

Cyclonic storm 'Nilofer' is expected to make landfall near Naliya in Kutch district of Gujarat on the morning of November 1 but with a reduced intensity, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.

The system, which turned into a very severe cyclonic storm on Monday, lay about 1,080 km southwest of Naliya this afternoon and 1,110 km south­southwest of Karachi in Pakistan.

"It would move north­northwestwards during next 12 hours and then gradually recurve northeastwards and cross North Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coast around Naliya by November 1 forenoon," IMD said in a bulletin.

"However, as the system would come closer to Gujarat coast, it would weaken and cross the coast as a cyclonic storm," it added.

Under the influence of this system, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast along the coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch from October 31 night.

Squally winds of speed 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph would commence along and off Gujarat coast from October 31 night and would become 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph at the time of landfall.

The Met has already asked authorities to hoist distant warning signal No 2 on all ports. Cyclone 'Nilofar' comes just weeks after cyclone 'Hudhud' hit the Eastern states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, causing extensive damage in Vishakapatna.