Updated on 1 May 2019
The Situation:
Tropical Cyclone Fani is intensifying in the Bay of Bengal and may be the strongest landfall in parts of eastern India in the past five years. Fani is now equivalent in strength to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and predicted to make landfall later this week.
As per the early forecasts from The Weather Channel Met team, the landfall may occur around noon on Friday around Puri in Odisha. On Wednesday morning, the maximum sustained wind speed was 194 kmph (120mph), gusting at 241 kmph (149mph). Forecasts suggest that the intensity during landfall may come down slightly. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Fani is 430 km away from Vishakapatnam as of Wednesday morning.
Heavy rainfall, storm surge, flooding and destructive winds are forecast near the coast of northern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Many parts of eastern coastal India are in danger of flooding as the 24-hour rainfall accumulation may cross 30 cm on Friday.
What to Expect:
Disruptions to public transportation
Flash flooding
Travel delays caused by increased road traffic and damaged or unsafe roadways
Grounded or delayed flights
Disruptions in public utilities (i.e. water and electricity)
Mitigation Factors to Apply:
Monitor local news media for updates
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
Allow extra time to travel to/from the airport, supplier, and accommodations
Avoid traveling through flooded areas
Keep electronics charged
Maintain communication throughout the remainder of the trip
Keep bottled water nearby
Check with airline that flights are moving on time
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.