IMD predicts ‘extremely’ heavy rainfall in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa declared red alert

Extremely heavy rainfall will whip parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa on Thursday evening, warned by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). A red alert has been issued for Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan and Goa regions.

Heavy rains are also expected in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Thunderstorm along with lightning is likely to occur at isolated places over Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.

Strong winds with speed reaching 40-50 kmph are likely to take over parts of Arabian Sea. Fishermen have been advised not to be safe in these areas. Regions with red alert will experience “localized flooding of roads, water logging in low lying areas and closure of underpasses” by IMD.

“Occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall” and “disruption of traffic flow in major cities due to water logging in roads leading to increased travel time” added by IMD.

The weather department has also warned of minor damage to Kutch roads, possibilities of damage to vulnerable structure, localised mudslides and damage to horticulture crops. Because of heavy rainfall forecast, all schools & junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane & Konkan region to remain closed today today, 19 September.

District collectors in other parts of Maharashtra to decide, based on local conditions,” tweeted Maharashtra Education Minister Ashish Shelar.

“A low pressure area is very likely to form over Eastcentral Arabian Sea and adjoining areas of northeast Arabian Sea, north Konkan & south Gujarat coast around 20th September. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a depression during the subsequent 48 hours,” said the IMD.