Ahmedabad: The Gujarat coast is under a fishermen warning as a low-pressure system over West Vidarbha is expected to move westwards and emerge over the Northeast Arabian Sea by 1st October. The system is likely to trigger squally weather and strong surface winds along the north and south Gujarat coast over the next few days.

After the warning from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the Port authorities have issued Local Cautionary Signal (LCS)-III at all north and south Gujarat ports. Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the East-Central and Northeast Arabian Sea or along and off the Gujarat coast from 28th September to 1st October.

The IMD, in its fishermen warning bulletin, stated that light to moderate rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely till 1st October, including very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations on 29th and 30th September in parts of Gujarat.

Wind & Sea Conditions:

Squally winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected along & off Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts, and over the Northeast Arabian Sea.

Sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough, making fishing and maritime activities risky.

Fishermen Warnings:

Fishermen are advised not to venture into East-Central & adjoining Northeast Arabian Sea and along & off Maharashtra and South Gujarat coasts during 28th to 30th September, and into Northeast Arabian Sea and along & off North Gujarat coast during 29th September–1st October.

Impact & Precautions:

Authorities have warned of potential damage to crops, minor structural damage, waterlogging, flooding in low-lying areas, and disruption to road and rail traffic. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid taking shelter under trees, and secure livestock and agricultural produce.

Agromet Advisories for Likely Impact:

In Gujarat, keep the harvested produce at safer places. Make necessary arrangements to drain out excess water from the fields of rice, sugarcane, vegetables, and fruit orchards in the Gujarat region; and cotton, pigeon pea, pearl millet, and vegetables in Saurashtra & Kutch.