Cyclone Nirlofar Cyclone Nirlofar

After very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud battered coastal Andhra Pradesh some weeks ago, another severe cyclonic storm is set for make landfall in India, this time in coastal Gujarat.

Cyclone Nilofar, which has developed over the Arabian Sea, will hit the western state on morning of October 31 (Friday) at a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 125 kmph, said an Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin on Monday morning.

The IMD said Nilofer would intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours and would move initially northwards and then recurve northeastwards and cross north Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coast around Naliya by 5.30 am on October 31.

HWRF model: Cyclone #Nilofar could become a Category 3 before landfall near the Pakistan/India border on Oct 30. pic.twitter.com/5L74mDIQAK &; Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) October 27, 2014

Rain Warning



Under the influence of this system, there will be rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall along coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch from October 30.



The rain's intensity will increase gradually with heavy to very heavy at a few places from the night of October 30.

Squally wind speed reaching up to 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph would start along and off the Gujarat coast from October 30 and would reach 100-110 kmph gusting to 125 kmph at the time of landfall, said IMD.

Cyclone #Nilofar is strengthening, headed for Pakistan/India border. There's an eye now on satellite images: pic.twitter.com/9vb4qn1Yg3 &; Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) October 27, 2014

Rough sea

Sea condition along and off Gujarat coast will be rough to very rough from Thursday morning and would become very high to phenomenal by afternoon.

Fishermen out at sea along and off Gujarat coast should return to the coast, said the IMD. There should be total suspension of fishing operations and coastal hutment dwellers have been asked to move safer places. People in affected areas have been asked to remain indoors.

Parts of Gujarat, India may receive more than 200mm of rainfall from Cyclone #Nilofar this week. pic.twitter.com/ajbWHLQb7p &; Eric Holthaus (@EricHolthaus) October 27, 2014

Damage

IMD said the cyclone will cause extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts. There will be minor damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of large avenue trees. There will also be flooding of escape routes.

Nilofar in Persian means a lotus or water lily. The storm developing over the Arabian Sea has been named Cyclone Nilofar by Pakistan.