A tropical storm (Cyclone Michaung) is brushing the coast of Andhra Pradesh, India today, and looks to make landfall south of Vijayawada tomorrow (5 Dec 2023) …
The storm has been causing a lot of flooding already from Chennai northward (link). Economic impacts probably around $100 Million USD, almost all from flooding as the winds should only cause minor damage, although there are an estimated 15 million people within the tropical storm wind swath.
Afternoon Update: Cyclone Michaung has intensified a bit and JTWC has shifted the 34km track west as well as increased the forecast landfall to hurricane strength. Economic impact forecast on India has tripled to $324 Million …
This goes to show how rapidly forecasts can change near landfall in some cases (and, given it hasn’t reached land yet, it may go higher or drop lower).
Annnnd now (3:30pm ET, 2030Z, 2100Z forecast) it’s already made landfall, with loss estimate half of the 15z estimate (down to $166 Million now) …
