Sri Vijaya Puram, May 19: The India Meteorological Department has issued a fresh weather warning for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and squally winds across the archipelago over the coming days, while authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the sea due to rough weather conditions.
According to the latest advisory issued on May 18, heavy rainfall ranging between 7 cm and 11 cm is very likely to occur at isolated places across the islands from May 19 to May 24.
The forecast also predicts thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph and lightning activity at isolated places during the same period.
Meteorological authorities further warned that squally weather conditions with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph are likely to prevail along and off the Andaman and Nicobar coast till May 22.
In view of the rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture along and off the coast during the warning period.
Local Cautionary Signal Number III (LC-3) has been kept hoisted at Sri Vijaya Puram Port as a precautionary measure.
The fresh advisory follows an earlier warning issued on May 16, when the Meteorological Department had forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall of up to 20 cm at isolated places along with thunderstorms and gusty winds across the islands.
Weather officials have cautioned residents to remain alert during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas vulnerable to waterlogging and strong winds.
The continuing spell of adverse weather has also raised concerns regarding marine activities and inter-island movement, especially for small fishing vessels operating in coastal waters.
Authorities have advised the public to follow official weather bulletins and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable coastal and sea-facing regions during periods of intense weather activity.
The southwest monsoon and associated weather systems frequently bring heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during this period of the year, affecting fishing operations, transport connectivity and daily activities in several parts of the archipelago.
Disaster management and port authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while coordinating with relevant departments regarding weather-related advisories and precautionary measures.
Residents have also been urged to secure loose structures, remain indoors during lightning activity and avoid venturing near coastal stretches during periods of high wind and rough sea conditions.
Officials said further updates and advisories would be issued depending on changes in weather conditions over the coming days.
