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Tropical Cyclone Amphan Makes Landfall Near Kolkata

The center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan made landfall on the north coast of the Bay of Bengal near Kolkata, India on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan was located at latitude 22.7°N and longitude 88.4°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south-southwest of Kolkata, India.  Amphan was moving toward the north-northeast at 19 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan made landfall near Haldia, India which is a little to the south-southwest of Kolkata on Wednesday.  The maximum sustained wind speed in Amphan at the time of landfall was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  Tropical Cyclone Amphan weakened after the center moved over land.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) to the southeast of the center.  The stronger winds were occurring near the center of circulation and over the northern Bay of Bengal.

When Tropical Cyclone Amphan approached the coast, the heaviest rain occurred in bands in the western side of Amphan.  Heavy rain fell over parts of northern Odisha and West Bengal.  After the center of Amphan made landfall and the tropical cyclone moved inland, the heaviest rain fell in bands in the northeastern part of the circulation.  Heavy rain was falling over parts of Bangladesh.

Strong southerly winds blowing toward the north coast of the Bay of Bengal pushed water toward Bangladesh and the coast of India south of Kolkata.  The coast around the northern Bay of Bengal is very vulnerable to storm surges caused by tropical cyclones.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan likely caused a significant storm surge along that coast.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia.  The high will steer Amphan toward the north-northeast.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move across western Bangladesh and northeastern India.  The circulation around Amphan will continue to weaken as the system moves farther inland.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan will continue to drop locally heavy rain over Bangladesh and northeastern India.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods to occur in some locations.

Large Dangerous Tropical Cyclone Amphan Nears Kolkata and Bangladesh

Large dangerous Tropical Cyclone Amphan neared Kolkata, India and Bangladesh late on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan was located at latitude 18.8°N and longitude 87.0°E which put it about 310 miles (505 km) south-southwest of Kolkata, India.  Amphan was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 951 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan was the equivalent of a major hurricane as it neared Kolkata, India and the coast of Bangladesh on Tuesday.  An eyewall replacement cycle caused the circulation around Amphan to expand in size.  Some satellite images showed evidence of the remnants of the original small inner eye inside the larger second eye.  The larger eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Amphan.

Tropical Cyclone Aphan had a large circulation that covered much of the northern Bay of Bengal.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 230 miles (370 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Amphan was 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 20.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 41.4.  Amphan was capable of causing major damage.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move through an environment capable of supporting a large powerful tropical cyclone during the next 12 to 18 hours.  Amphan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move under the western side of an upper level ridge.  The upper level winds will be weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Amphan could start to pull in some drier air that is over eastern India when it get closer to the coast.  Amphan will remain a large dangerous tropical cyclone until it makes landfall on the north coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia.  The high will steer Amphan toward the north-northeast during the next 36 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan will pass near Puri, India in about 12 hours.  The center of Amphan could make landfall south of Kolkata near Haldia, India in about 18 hours.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan could cause major damage.  The wind will blow water toward the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.  Amphan could generate a storms surge of up to 12 to 15 feet (3 to 4 meters) along past of the Bangladesh coast.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan will also drop heavy rain over parts of northeastern India and Bangladesh when it moves inland.  The heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

 

Tropical Cyclone Amphan Intensifies Into Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Amphan intensified into equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the Bay of Bengal on Monday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan was located at latitude 13.9°N and longitude 86.5°E which put it about 635 miles (1025 km) south-southwest of Kolkata, India.  Amphan was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 195 m.p.h. (315 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 909 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Amphan appeared to develop a concentric eyewall structure on Monday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the original small eye and eyewall.  The inner eye had a diameter of 10 miles (16 km).  A ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the inner eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  An outer eyewall with a diameter of 50 mile (80 km) surrounded the inner eye.    Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the concentric eyewalls.  Storms in the core of Amphan were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan had a large circulation.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (325 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Amphan was 35.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI0 was 51.5.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan was capable of causing catastrophic damage.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move through an environment very favorable for a strong tropical cyclone during the next 36 hours.  Amphan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  It will move under an upper level ridge where the upper level winds are weak.  There will be little vertical wind shear.  The eyewall replacement cycle will stop the intensification of Tropical Cyclone Amphan.  Amphan will weaken, at least temporarily, when the inner eyewall dissipates.  When that occurs the strongest winds will be occurring in the outer eyewall.  The eyewall replacement cycle could cause the circulation to increase in size.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia.  The high will steer Amphan toward the north-northeast.  On its anticipate track the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan will approach the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal in 36 hours.  Amphan will be a large dangerous tropical cyclone when it approaches the coast.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan will generate a significant storm surge along the coast of Bangladesh.  Amphan will cause major wind damage.  It will drop locally heavy rain over northeast India and Bangladesh.  Freshwater flooding will occur.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan Rapidly Intensifies Into Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Amphan rapidly intensified into the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Bay of Bengal on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan was located at latitude 13.3°N and longitude 86.4°E which put it about 675 miles (1090 km) south-southwest of Kolkata, India.  Amphan was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 919 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan rapidly intensified into a large powerful tropical cyclone on Sunday night.  A small circular eye was at the center of circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Amphan.  Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Amphan grew in size on Sunday.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 210 miles (335 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Amphan was 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index was 16.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 48.4.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan was capable of causing widespread significant damage.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will remain in an environment capable of supporting a strong tropical cyclone during the next 36 to 48 hours.  Amphan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  It will move under an upper level ridge.  The upper level wind will be weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The ridge will actually enhance the upper level divergence.  If a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Tropical Cyclone Amphan to weaken.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan is likely to remain a large, powerful tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia.  The high will steer Amphan toward the north.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Amphan could approach the coast of Bangladesh in 48 hours.  Amphan is could still be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches Bangladesh.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan could generate a significant storm surge at the coast.  Amphan will cause major wind damage and heavy rain could cause freshwater flooding.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan Strengthens to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Amphan strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan was located at latitude 12.3°N and longitude 86.4°E which put it about 695 miles (1120 km) south-southwest of Kolkata, India.  Amphan was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 969 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan continued to intensify on Sunday.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) developed at the center of circulation.  A ring of strong thunderstorms surround the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Amphan.  Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions.  Wins to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 to 48 hours.  Amphan will move over water where Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  It will move under an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal.  The winds in the upper level ridge are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan will continue to intensify and it is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia.  The high will steer Amphan toward the north during the next 48 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Amphan will approach the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal in less than 72 hours.  Amphan will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northeast India and to Bangladesh.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan is likely to generate a significant storm surge along the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan Develops Quickly Over Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Amphan developed quickly over the Bay of Bengal on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan was located at latitude 11.2°N and longitude 86.3°E which put it about 430 miles (695 km) west of Port Blair.  Amphan was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal organized quickly on Saturday and the Indian Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Amphan.  Thunderstorms formed around the center of Amphan and recent microwave images suggested that an eye could be forming.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Amphan.  The stronger bands were in the western half of the circulation.  Storms near the core of the circulation were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Amphan.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move through an environment very favorable for intensification.  Amphan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan is likely to intensify rapidly during the next 36 hours.  Amphan is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon within 24 hours and it could become the equivalent of a major hurricane within 36 to 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move around the eastern end of a high pressure system over southeast Asia.  The high will steer Amphan toward the north during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Amphan could approach the coast of northeast Indian and Bangladesh in 72 hours.  Amphan will likely be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it approaches the coast.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan could generate a catastrophic storm surge along the north coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul Makes Landfall Southeast of Kolkata

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul made landfall southeast of Kolkata, India on Saturday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 89.2°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Kolkata, India.  Bulbul was movign toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul made landfall on the coast of West Bengal southeast of Kolkata, India on Saturday.  The India Meteorological Department’s weather radar in Kolkata indicated that the eye of Bulbul crossed the coast of West Bengal.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at the time of landfall.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

The northern section of the eyewall of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul moved across the southeastern part of West Bengal and the southwestern portion of Bangladesh.  Thunderstorms in the eyewall were dropping heavy rain over those areas.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms in the northeastern part of Bulbul were also dropping heavy rain over other parts of Bangladesh.  The heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.  Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul were pushing water toward the coast.  Bulbul could cause a storm surge of 6 to 9 feet (2 to 3 meters) in some coastal locations.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move around the northwestern part of a ridge of high pressure over southeast Asia.  The ridge will steer Bulbul toward the east-northeast during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move over coastal areas of Bangladesh between Dhaka and Chittagong.  Bulbul will weaken gradually as the center moves over land.  The wind speeds and storm surges will gradually decrease.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will continue to drop heavy rain over southern Bangladesh during the next 24 hours and the threat of fresh water floods will remain.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul Moving Toward Kolkata

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul moved toward Kolkata, India on Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 87.8°E which put it about 225 miles (360 km) south of Kolkata, India.  Bulbul was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h. (13 k/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 861 mb.

It appeared that Tropical Cyclone Bulbul may have pulled drier air from India around the southern and eastern sides of its circulation.  Rainbands in those parts of the tropical cyclone consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Microwave satellite images provided some evidence of an eye at the center of circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms around the eye exhibited weaker sections on the eastern side of the eye.  The strongest winds were occurring in the ring of storms.  Other strong bands of thunderstorms were present in the western half of the circulation.

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was 16.5.  The Hurricane Size index (HSI) was 13.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.7.  Bulbul was capable of causing serious damage.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul may be near its maximum intensity.  Bulbul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  So, there is sufficient energy in the upper Bay of Bengal to support further intensification.  However, the introduction of drier air into the southern and eastern parts of the circulation will inhibit the development of thunderstorms in those portions of the tropical cyclone.  Bulbul will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over southeast Asia.  The ridge will produce some vertical wind shear which will also inhibit further intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul could weaken when it nears the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move around the western end of the ridge over southeast Asia.  The ridge will steer Bulbul toward the north for another 18 to 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Bulbul could approach the coast of India south of Kolkata in about 18 hours.  Bulbul will turn more toward the east when it moves around the northwestern part of the ridge in a day or so.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it makes landfall in West Bengal south of Kolkata.  Bulbul will bring gusty winds to the coast of West Bengal and Bangladesh.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will be capable of generating a storm surge of up to 6 to 9 feet ( 2 to 3 meters) along portions of the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.  That area is particularly prone to storm surges.  Bulbul will drop locally heavy rain over parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh when it moves inland.  Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul Strengthens to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul strengthened into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Bay of Bengal on Thursday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was located at latitude 16.5°N and longitude 87.5°E which put it about 400 miles (645 km) south of Kolkata, India.  Bulbul was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 976 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Bulbul exhibited greater organization on Thursday.  Microwave satellite imagery indicated that an eye was forming at the center of circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms was developing around the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Storms near the center of circulation were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul.  The strongest rainbands were in the northwestern half of Bulbul.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (230 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Bulbul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over southeast Asia.  The upper level ridge will produce southerly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  There will be southerly winds at all levels and there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will intensify during the next 24 to 36 hours.

The ridge over southeast Asia will steer Tropical Cyclone Bulbul toward the north during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Bulbul could approach the area around Kolkata, India in less than 48 hours.  Bulbul could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast around the northern end of the Bayof Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul Strengthens over Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul strengthened over the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 89.9°E which put it about 520 miles (840 km) south of Kolkata, India.  Bulbul was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

A low pressure system that was formerly designated at Tropical Storm Matmo when it was over the South China Sea moved across southeast Asia and over the Bay of Bengal during the past few days.  The low pressure system became nearly stationary west of the Andaman Islands.  More thunderstorms began to develop and bands began to form on Tuesday.  The low pressure system strengthened on Wednesday and the India Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Bulbul.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was still organizing on Wednesday night.  More thunderstorms were developing around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Bulbul.  The stronger rainbands were in the western half of the circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move through an area favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours.  Bulbul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over southeast Asia.  The ridge will produce southerly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul is likely to strengthen into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon within 36 to 48 hours.

The ridge over southeast Asia will steer Tropical Cyclone Bulbul toward the north during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will approach the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal in two or three days.  Bulbul could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast.

Elsewhere, a much weaker Tropical Cyclone Maha neared the west coast of India.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Maha was located at latitude 20.0°N and longitude 70.2°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) southwest of Dui, India.  Maha was moving toward the east-northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  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 1004 mb.  Tropical Cyclone Maha will drop rain of southern Gujarat on Thursday.