Very severe cyclonic storm 'PHET' remains stationary over westcentral Arabian Sea

The very severe cyclonic storm, "PHET" over westcentral Arabian Sea remained practically stationary and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of today, 3rd June 2010 near latitude 18.50N and long. 59.50E, about 1400 km west of Mumbai, 1100 km southwest of Naliya (Kutch, Gujarat), 1050 km southwest of Karachi (Pakistan), 450 km south-southeast of Sur (Oman) and 220 km south-southeast of Masirah island (Oman).

Due to proximity to the land surface, the system is interacting with land surface and shows sign of weakening. Further, due to changing environmental flow pattern, the system would move slowly in a northwesterly/northerly direction for next 24 hours and cross Oman coast between latitude 200N and 210N by tomorrow the 4th June morning. It would then weaken gradually, recurve northeastwards and emerge into northwest Arabian Sea by 5th June and move towards Pakistan coast.

Fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls would occur over Saurashtra & Kutch during next 48 hrs. Squally winds with speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting 60 kmph would occur along and off Gujarat coast during same period. Sea condition will be rough to very rough along and off Gujarat coast and adjoining north Arabian Sea.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea off this coast.

Source : India Meteorological Department

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