Severe Cyclonic Storm PHET has strengthened further to Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during the last 6 hours. Current location is 18.2N 60.0E about 300 Kms South East of Oman Coast. Winds are 230 to 260 Kms./Hour with Central pressure of about 929 Mb. The Wave height is 7 meters. Cyclone PHET has tracked North westwards towards Oman more than expected. It is expected to strengthen further and track mainly North Northwestwards direction for the next 24 to 36 hours towards Oman Coast. Influence of Western disturbance has to be watched carefully to see how this System is expected to track after 36 hours. Various Forecast models are differing on the final track PHET will track.

It is important for all Countries from Oman, Iran, Pakistan & India to be watchful and closely monitor PHET for any track changes.

OMAN:
PHET is only 300 Kms. from Oman Coast and due to the proximity of a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, people should be vigilant and take precautions about very windy conditions as well as flash flooding due to heavy rains. Although most Forecast models are expecting a Recurve North Eastwards after 36 hours, yet be on lookout since the System is too close to Oman.

Saurashtra & Gujarat:
Even though the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm PHET is more than 1100 Kms. from Saurashtra Coast, due to the Intensity of this System, currently expect Windy conditions and Scattered Hit & Miss Rain for Saurashtra from Clouds streaks passing over Saurashtra & Gujarat due to PHET with the moisture incursion from Arabian Sea.

Note:
Wind Speeds mentioned above are based on one minute averages. India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a 3 minutes averaging for the sustained wind. The maximum sustained wind mentioned in the bulletins used by IMD is the highest 3 minutes surface wind occurring within the circulation of the system. Please refer IMD documents.