Tropical Cyclone 04B Makes Landfall South-southwest of Kolkata

Tropical Cyclone 04B made landfall on the coast of India south-southwest of Kolkata on Friday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone 04B was located at latitude 21.9°N and longitude 87.7°E which put it about 65 miles (105 km) south-southwest of Kolkata India. The tropical cyclone was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Tropical Cyclone 04B strengthened during the hours prior to landfall. The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) when Tropical Cyclone 04B made landfall on the coast of India south-southwest of Kolkata. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone 04B. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around a broad center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone 04B will move south of a high pressure system over southern Asia. The high pressure system will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 04B will move farther inland over central India during the weekend. The tropical cyclone will gradually weaken when it moves farther inland. Tropical Cyclone 04B will drop heavy rain over parts of central India. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.