The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday upgraded the warning to extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai for the next few hours. Gusty wind will continue and escalate up to 120 kmph, informed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
IMD had earlier forecasted moderate to intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 90-100 kmph at isolated places in the districts of Raigad, Palghar, Mumbai, Thane and Ratnagiri.
The IMD had stated that Cyclone Tauktae is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours and that it will cross the western coast of Gujarat in the early morning of May 18.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is closely monitoring the cyclone situation in the state. As many as 12,420 citizens were relocated to safer places from the coastal areas so far.
"CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray is closely monitoring the #CycloneTauktae situation in the State. So far, 12,420 citizens were relocated to safer places from the coastal areas. Mumbai, Thane & Palghar districts are on orange alert while Raigad district is on red alert," tweeted Maharashtra CMO.