Most parts of Meghalaya today experienced light to moderate rains triggered by cyclone ‘Sitrang’.
The rains coupled with low temperature forced most people to stay indoors. Most shops in Shillong closed early due to the rainy condition.
Today, the rainfall recorded in Shillong was 1.7 mm while in Sohra it was 1.6 mm. In Nongstoin, the rainfall recorded was 5.0 mm followed by Jowai at 4.6 mm, Khliehriat at 3.2 mm, Mawkyrwat at 3.0 mm, Baghmara 0.4 mm and Nongpoh at just 0.1 mm.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Shillong today tweeted that light to moderate rainfall is very likely to continue over many places over all districts of Meghalaya tomorrow.
According to weather experts, the well-marked low-pressure area over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea, southeast Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestward and concentrated into a depression yesterday.
The cyclone which recurve north-northeastwards, intensified into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal today morning.
As per the predictions of the IMD, ‘Sitrang’ is expected to have its landfall between Tinkona Island and Sandwip in Bangladesh tomorrow morning with the maximum wind speed between 100 and 110 kilometres per hour.
The IMD has predicted that North East, including south Assam, east Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura, will receive rainfall on October 24, 25 and 26 under the impact of the system.
Meanwhile, the cyclone dampened the festive spirits of Diwali and Kali Puja in the State.
Heavy showers since morning forced people to remain indoors as most Shillong streets wore a deserted look and the usual bursting of firecrackers was not seen in the sky.
