The very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy, currently over Saurashtra and Kutch which moved northeastwards with a speed of 13 kmph during the past six hours, will weaken significantly on Friday.
It is currently situated approximately 40 km northeast of the Jakhau Port and 30 km north of Naliya.
The cyclone's intensity has lessened as it is now turning into a depression and very likely to move northeastwards across north Gujarat by Friday evening.
As per the forecast, as of 9 a.m. Biparjoy ihas been reduced to a deep depression with a maximum sustained surface wind speed of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph.
By 5.30 p.m. on Friday evening, it is expected to weaken into a depression with wind speeds between 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph.
Meanwhile, a rainfall warning remains in place with light to moderate downpour expected at most places, accompanied by heavy to extremely heavy showers at isolated locations over Saurashtra and Kutch, north Gujaratand south Rajasthan on Friday.
Southeast Rajasthan and the adjoining north Gujarat region can also expect heavy rainfall on Saturday.
Wind warning is still active for the northeast and eastcentral Arabian Sea. Gale winds are expected to decrease gradually to squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph.
The squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail till Friday noon.
The sea condition is very high over the northeast Arabian Sea, which would improve gradually and become rough by noon.
Extensive damage is expected in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi, Junagarh and Rajkot districts, including potential threats from flying objects, major damage to roads, and disruption of railways and power lines.
The fishermen warning is also still in effect, recommending total suspension of fishing operations over the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea till Saturday morning.
Additionally, people in affected areas are also advised to remain indoors.
The storm is likely to cause damage in the interior districts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat region as well, including damage to roads, water logging and flooding in low lying areas and uprooting of trees.
Tripura CM Saha holds key meeting with BJP, IPFT and TMP leaders
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday held an "important" meeting between the leaders of ruling BJP and its two allies – Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) and discussed various political and developmental issue, sources said.
HM Amit Shah's meeting sends a clear message: Not a drop of water to Pakistan
A high-level meeting was held on Friday at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The 45-minute meeting between the Home Minister and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil focused on exploring ways to halt the flow of water to Pakistan.
Tripura: TMP chief urges Centre to adopt 'stronger policy' against B'desh
Ruling BJP’s ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP) founder-chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma on Friday urged the Central government to adopt a stronger policy stance towards Bangladesh, accusing the neighbouring country of encouraging fundamentalist forces targeting Hindu minorities.
Pahalgam attack: More countries express solidarity with India, offer support in fight against terrorism
Ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Argentina, and Nepal met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday, expressing solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam.
Tripura CM directs SPs and DMs to remain vigilant about Pakistani nationals
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday directed the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of all eight districts to regularly share necessary inputs with the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding the presence of any Pakistani nationals in the state, officials said.
US supports India's 'hunt' for those behind 'horrific Islamist terrorist attack' in Pahalgam, says Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), on Friday said that the United States supports India's "hunt" for the perpetrators of the "horrific Islamist terrorist attack" in Pahalgam that took place earlier this week.
Tehran stands ready to 'forge greater understanding' between India and Pakistan: Iran FM Araghchi
Citing its good relations with both India and Pakistan, Iran on Friday said that it stands ready to "forge greater understanding" between New Delhi and Islamabad following the Pahalgam terror attack, earlier this week.
PM Modi's action will act as deterrent against any fresh attempts to harm India: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday denounced the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting his staunch belief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive action will act as a strong deterrent against any future attempts by terrorists to harm India.