Tropical Cyclone Activity Report - Pacific / Indian Oceans - Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global)

Tropical Cyclone Activity Report – Pacific / Indian Oceans

By: PDC
November 21, 2013

Tropical Cyclone 04B (Helen) remains active over the North Indian Ocean…located about 495 NM southwest of Calcutta, India (Sustained winds of 55 knots…with gusts up to 70 knots)

PDC Global Hazards Atlas displaying 3 hour precipitation accumulation, forecast positions, segments, and error cones for Tropical Cyclone 04B (Helen)…over the North Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone 04B (Helen) remains active just offshore to the east of the southeastern Indian coast, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

This is the fourth tropical cyclone of the North Indian Ocean season, and is expected to make landfall along the Indian coast within 12 hours. Tropical Cyclone 04B (Helen) has strengthened some from yesterday…as it slowly nears landfall.

As of November 21 at 1500 UTC, TC Helen had maximum sustained winds near 55 knots (63 mph). It was centered near 16.1 north and 83 east, or about 495 NM southwest of Calcutta, India. Helen was moving slowly towards the northwest at 4 knots (5 mph).

Current warnings are in effect for fishermen along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, who are advised to return to shore and take shelter…as well as residents of the affected coastal regions as well.

TC Helen is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Machilipatnam…along the southeastern Indian coast.

Satellite pictures show heavy rain producing thunderstorms around the center. The Indian coast is experiencing rising surf, and gusty winds as Helen approaches. Small boaters and fishermen should use caution, as conditions progressively become more rough. Rainfall will move inland over India, as TC 04B moves westward…where there will be localized flooding problems.