Cyclone Maha and Bulbul in Arabian and Bay of Bengal may trigger heavy rains in Maharastra and Gujarat

Due to low pressure, a cyclone in the Arabian Sea has turned into a severe storm. The cyclone will be travelling to the north over the next 12 hours, the weather department said. It is expected to cross the coastal line on Thursday evening near Dayyu at Devabhoomi-Dwarka district in Gujarat coast. The IMD has warned that the cyclone may trigger heavy rains and strong winds in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Storms are expected to gradually weaken as it passes the coastal line, which would cause wind with speed up to 30 to 40 km per hour. Cyclone affected states have been alerted by weather department warnings. Officials advised fishers should not go fishing and asked the people of low lying areas should move to safer areas. The schools in Palghar district of Maharashtra will remain closed till November 8, officials said.

Gujarat and Northern Maharashtra, which are most likely to be affected by the cyclone, have prepared the fleet for relief efforts. "The four ships of the Western Naval Command were filled with food, water, medicine and other necessities. It is ready with emergency response teams with mill boats and life jackets." The Navy official said. He also explained that helicopters and warplanes were also prepared. The IMD noted rains might occur in Mumbai in next 48 hours as a result of the cyclone.