Tropical Cyclone Burevi Stalls over Gulf of Mannar

Tropical Cyclone Burevi stalled over the Gulf of Mannar on Friday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Burevi was located at latitude 9.0°N and longitude 79.4°E which put it about 80 miles (130 km) east of Toothukudi, India. Burevi was nearly stationary. The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Burevi stalled over the Gulf of Mannar between Sri Lanka and the southern tip of India on Friday. Although the center of Burevi was over water, the tropical cyclone weakened since some of the circulation passed over Sri Lanka or southern India. The parts of the circulation that were over land experienced increased friction and were unable to extract as much energy from the surface. The wind speeds around Tropical Cyclone Burevi decreased gradually as a result of more friction and less available energy.

Tropical Cyclone Burevi dropped locally heavy rain over parts of southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India. Persistent rain fell in some locations because Burevi stalled. If the rain continues to fall over the same locations, then flash floods are likely to occur.

A high pressure system over India could start to push Tropical Cyclone Burevi toward the west during the weekend. Burevi will weaken further if the center moves across southern India. Tropical Cyclone Burevi could strengthen slowly next week, if the circulation is still relatively intact when it reaches the Arabian Sea.