New Delhi, May 17: Cyclone Tauktae intensified into an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' from which a 'very severe cyclonic storm' on Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The tropical cyclonic storm is moving towards Gujarat from Maharashtra and is expected to hit the state by evening of May 17. The cyclonic activity is set to result in heavy rainfall, along with gusty winds over the southern and western coastal parts of the country.Cyclone Tauktae Live Tracker Map: Track Realtime Path of Low Pressure Area Forming in Arabian Sea Which May Intensify Into First Cyclonic Storm of 2021.

Ahead of its expected landfall, the IMD had issued Orange Alert and Red Alert for various districts in Gujarat and Maharashtra, while Mumbai and Thane have been put under Yellow Alert, indicating isolated heavy rainfalls along with strong winds.  Cyclone Tauktae Day-Wise Forecast: Cyclonic Storm To Cross Gujarat Coast Between Porbandar and Naliya on May 18; Check Cyclone Path, Wind Speed and Intensity.

 Check Cyclone Tauktae Path On Windy.com: 

"It is very likely to intensify into a deep depression during the next 12 hours and into a cyclonic storm during the subsequent 12 hours. It is very likely to intensify further. It is very likely to move initially north-northeastwards till today evening. It would then move north-northwestwards and reach near Gujarat coast by May 18 morning," the IMD said in its latest bulletin this afternoon.

Parts of South Konkan and Goa are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall on Saturday, and heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday as cyclonic storm intensifies. Gujarat coast is also expected to receive rainfall from May 17. Saurashtra and Kutch are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 18. Certain areas of Southwest Rajasthan are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 19, as per the IMD.

Earlier this week, IMD has issued alert and cautioned the fishermen against venturing into the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Maldives, Comorin and Lakshadweep area, Kerala coast from morning of May 13 and in east central Arabian sea, off Karnataka-Goa, Maharashtra and Goa coasts from the night of May 14 in view of the cyclonic storm brewing in the Arabian Sea.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2021 11:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).