Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday that the extremely severe Cyclonic storm ‘Tej’, which formed over the west-central Arabian Sea, is continuously moving northwestward.

The storm is expected to cross the Yemen-Oman coast between Al Ghaidah and Salalah around noon on October 24 as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, updated IMD in a recent tweet.

The IMD has issued a red alert for the coastal districts of Yemen and Oman, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges.

IMD’s cyclone classification scale is an important tool for forecasting the intensity and potential impact of cyclones, and it helps people to prepare and take appropriate safety measures.

The IMD’s cyclone classification scale is based on the 3-minute average maximum sustained wind speeds at the center of the cyclone. The following table summarizes the different classifications:

CategoryWind speed (kmph)
Cyclonic storm63-88
Severe cyclonic storm89-117
Very severe cyclonic storm118-165
Extremely severe cyclonic storm166-220
Supercyclone>220

It is important to note that the IMD’s cyclone classification scale is just one factor that should be considered when assessing the potential impact of a cyclone. Other factors, such as the size of the cyclone, the storm surge, and the rainfall potential, also need to be taken into account.

The storm is also expected to bring heavy rainfall to the Indian states of Gujarat and Daman and Diu. The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Gujarat coast and has asked residents of coastal areas to take necessary precautions.

The storm is 200 km north-northwestward of Yemen’s Socotra, 300 km south of Oman’s Salalah, and 240 km southeast of Al Ghaidah.

As per the IMD, the “Phenomenal” sea condition is likely to prevail over the south-west and west-central Arabian Sea and will diminish from high to very rough by Tuesday morning. It will improve eventually.

Also Read: Alert! Cyclone Tej Is On the Way