Overview

• IMD upgraded Shakhti to a severe cyclonic storm with sustained winds near 90–100 kmph, gusting higher, and an estimated central pressure of about 992 hPa.
• As of Saturday morning, the centre was located roughly 470 km west of Dwarka and Naliya and about 420 km southwest of Karachi, moving west-southwest over open waters.
• Forecasts indicate further movement into the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by October 5, then a recurve east-northeast from October 6 with gradual weakening through October 7.
• Coastal advisories cover Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, with 45–55 kmph winds gusting to 65 kmph along the north Maharashtra coast and rough to very rough seas through the weekend.
• Officials say a direct landfall on India is unlikely, though outer bands may bring heavy rain to parts of Maharashtra, including East Vidarbha, Marathwada and low-lying North Konkan; fishermen have been urged to stay ashore until at least Tuesday.