Odisha: The Cyclonic Storm Shaheen moved northeast Arabian Sea and moved further west-northwestwards with a speed of about 20 kmph during the past 6 hours. It is very likely to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours. The cyclone, which comes just a week after Cyclone Gulab made landfall in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, may not hit the Indian coast says India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather system is likely to further intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm during the next 12 hours and move west-north westwards skirting the Makran coast during next the 36 hours. Due to this position, the cyclone may not be a direct threat to India. However, fishermen from India and neighbouring Indian Ocean countries have been warned not to venture into the sea till October 2nd. Those already at sea have been advised to move to safer locations.

Under its influence, heavy falls are predicted in Gujarat, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim till October 3rd. Rainfall activity is likely to increase over the south peninsular from October 1st, with heavy showers predicted in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka till October 4th. If it forms, Cyclone Shaheen will be the second, after Tauktae, to develop in the basin of the Arabian Sea this year. It originated from the intensification of remnants of Cyclone Gulab that had formed in the Bay of Bengal.