Cyclone Asani has reached peak, will weaken gradually: IMD DG

The severe cyclonic storm ‘Asani’ (pronounced as Asani) over west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal has already crossed the stage of maximum intensification and it is likely to weaken gradually by May 12, said India Meteorological Department (IMD) DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on Tuesday.

The system is likely to move nearly northwestwards till May 10 night and reach west-central Bay of Bengal off north Andhra Pradesh coast. Thereafter, it is very likely to recurve north-northeastwards and move towards northwest Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts. It is likely to weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm during next 24 hours.

“The system is likely to weaken gradually from today and by May 12, it will turn into a depression. Under its influence, the surface wind speed in sea will be around 50-60kmph. Similarly, some parts of coastal districts will experience moderate to heavy rainfall from today,” said Mohapatra.

According to Mohapatra, the cyclone Asani will be close to north Andhra Pradesh coast and it will gradually move parallely along Odisha coast. “From severe cyclonic storm, it is likely to become cyclonic storm by tomorrow. Gradually, it will turn into a deep depression and depression by May 12,” Mohapatra added.