>Colonies Chris at 08:07, 22 May 2021

2021-05-22T08:07:54Z

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{{Infobox tropical cyclone
| Name = Severe Cyclonic Storm Phethai
| Type = Tropical cyclone
| Basin = NIO
| Year = 2018
| Image location = Phethai 2018-12-15 0740Z.jpg
| Image name = Cyclone Phethai north of [[Sri Lanka]] on December 15
| Formed = December 13, 2018
| Dissipated = December 18, 2018
| Post-tropical = December 17
| 3-min winds = 55
| 1-min winds = 55
| Pressure = 992
| Fatalities = 8 total
| Damages = 100
| Areas = [[Sri Lanka]], [[East India]], [[Northeast India]]
| Hurricane season = [[2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
}}
'''Severe Cyclonic Storm Phethai''' was a [[tropical cyclone]] which affected some portions of [[Sri Lanka]] and India during December 2018. The fourteenth depression, ninth deep depression, seventh cyclonic storm, and fifth severe cyclonic storm of the [[2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]], Phethai developed from an area of low pressure that formed over the Bay of Bengal on December 13. Having forecasted not to develop significantly, the depression then strengthened to a deep depression later that day before becoming a cyclonic storm on December 15. Phethai further intensified and peaked to a [[Tropical cyclone scales#North Indian Ocean|severe cyclonic storm]], the following day. The system then steadily weakened due to land interaction and increasing wind shear, before making landfall as a disorganized system over [[Andhra Pradesh]] on December 17. It degenerated to an area of low-pressure inland, the next day.

Phethai caused over eight fatalities during its path towards [[East India]]. Some rice crops and paddies were destroyed and flooded, while over 31,600 individuals were evacuated to different centers in [[Godavari District]] and [[Odisha]]. The total damages from the cyclone were finalized at $100 million (2018 [[USD]]).

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Phethai 2018 track.png}}
At 06:00 UTC on December 7, the [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) began to note in their bulletins that an area of low-pressure could significantly form over the [[Bay of Bengal]] over the next 48 hours.<ref name="IMD">{{Cite web |title=Cyclone Phethai Archive Bulletin |url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/pdf/archive/bulletins/2018/rphethai.pdf |access-date=April 4, 2021 |publisher=India Meteorological Department}}</ref> The American-based [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) also began to monitor the developing system later that day.<ref name="JTWC">{{Cite web |title=Annual Tropical Cyclone Report 2018 |url=https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/atcr/2018atcr.pdf |access-date=April 4, 2021 |website=Joint Typhoon Warning Center}}</ref> The IMD later reported that a [[low-pressure area]] had formed over the Bay of Bengal, influenced by a trough of low pressure, at 12:00 UTC on December 9. The agency noted that conditions would be favorable for the system to develop further, due to the [[Madden–Julian oscillation]] phase being at a three. Over the next couple of days, the low-pressure area produced moderate to deep [[convection]], with the IMD designating the system as a ''well—marked low-pressure area'' on December 11. At 3:00 UTC on December 13, the IMD upgraded the low-pressure area into a tropical depression, while located roughly {{convert|530|miles|km|round=5}} east-southeast of [[Trincomalee]], [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="IMD"/> At the same time, the JTWC issued a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] (TCFA) on the system.<ref name="JTWC"/>

The depression moved north-northwestward towards the coast of India for the next few days, being steered by an [[anticyclone]] over [[Southeast Asia]]. While doing so, the depression strengthened into a deep depression according to the IMD, by 18:00 UTC on December 13, while located about {{convert|645|miles|km|round=5}} south-southeast of [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. Deep convection associated with the system began to increase, while global prediction models suggested further strengthening.<ref name="IMD"/> The JTWC released their first warning on the depression at 6:00 UTC on December 15.<ref name="JTWC"/> Just 9 hours later, the deep depression strengthened into a cyclonic storm, and was provided the name ''Phethai'' by the IMD, while located around {{convert|480|miles|km|round=5}} south-southeast of [[Machilipatnam]], [[Andhra Pradesh]]. The storm changed little in appearance over the next 26 hours, before being upgraded into a severe cyclonic storm, at 17:30 UTC the next day. At this time, Phethai reached its peak intensity with 1–minute sustained winds of around {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}}, and a minimum pressure of 992 mbar (29.29 [[inHg]]). The cyclone then maintained this intensity for over 12 hours before weakening due to increasing [[wind shear]]. By 6:00 UTC on December 17, the structure of the storm began to disorganize, with the center becoming ill-defined. Shortly afterwards, Phethai moved onshore in Andhra Pradesh, near the town of [[Yanam]], just a few hours later.<ref name="IMD"/><ref name="IMDBT" >{{Cite web|url=http://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/images/pdf/archive/best-track/best%20track%20ecscsuc-2020.xls|title=2019 Best Track Archive|website=India Meteorological Department|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref>

Just an hour later, the JTWC issued their final warning on Phethai, while it was located just off the coast of [[East India|Eastern India]].<ref name="JTWC"/> The IMD soon reported that the cyclone had weakened into a deep depression, inland over Andhra Pradesh, at 15:00 UTC that same day. The depression remained disorganized as it moved across Eastern India, making a second landfall in the country near [[Tuni]]. Phethai continued to weaken inland, being downgraded into a depression by 19:30 UTC that day. The IMD issued their final bulletin on the depression at 3:00 UTC the following day, as it degenerated into an area of low pressure over the northwestern Bay of Bengal, while producing minimal convection.<ref name="IMD"/> Although, dissipation was later corrected to 0:00 UTC.<ref name="IMDBT"/>

==Preparations==
{{See also|Cyclone Titli}}
Cyclone Phethai affected areas still recovering from the impacts of cyclones [[Cyclonic Storm Daye (2018)|Daye]], Titli, and [[Cyclone Gaja|Gaja]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/sflngc05nAvY9L2ybk33VJ/Days-after-Gaza-cyclone-to-hit-Andhra-coast-IMD.html|title=After Gaja, Andhra Pradesh now braces for Cyclone Phethai|website=Mint|date=December 15, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> Ahead of the storm, boats were prohibited from leaving port with fishing activities halted.<ref name="TheHindu" >{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/krishna-braces-for-phethai/article25746674.ece|title=Krishna braces for Phethai|website=The Hindu|date=December 15, 2018|access-date=February 2, 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Cyclone Phethai during its landfall near Kakinada.png|thumb|left|Cyclone Phethai making landfall near [[Yanam]] on December 17]]
Roughly 10 shelters were opened within [[Andhra Pradesh]]. Over 2,000 electrical workers were assembled to help restore power in Phethai's aftermath. Police and firefighters formed special crews to help with debris removal from streets. Firefighters also prepared boats and lifejackets, with the [[National Disaster Response Force]] and State Disaster Response Force assembling seven rescue teams. Marketing departments arranged vegetables and necessities to provide to people staying at shelters. The [[Indian Coast Guard]] kept ships and aircraft along the country's east coast to help with aid efforts following the cyclone.<ref name="TheHindu"/>

Over 10,000 people prepared for disaster response as the storm neared. Numerous flights heading to [[Visakhapatnam]] were cancelled, with trains being halted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://disasterscharter.org/web/guest/activations/-/article/cyclone-in-india-activation-593-|title=Cyclone Phethai in India|website=Disasters Charter|date=December 17, 2018|access-date=February 2, 2021}}</ref> [[N. Chandrababu Naidu]], the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, hosted a teleconference with the collector's of four districts in the state, where cyclone preparations were planned and discussed. Paddy crops were attempted to be saved by farmers in the [[Krishna River|Krishna]] and [[Godavari River|Godavari]] river deltas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/en-IN/india/news/news/2018-12-16-cyclone-phethai-approaching-villages-high-alert|title=Cyclone Phethai to Hit Kakinada, AP, Today Afternoon; 350 Villages on High Alert|author=TNN|website=The Weather Channel India|date=December 16, 2018|access-date=February 2, 2021}}</ref> Roughly 20,000 people were evacuated ahead of the cyclone in the nearby [[Godavari District]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cyclone-phethai-live-updates-meteorological-department-weather-andhra-pradesh-tamil-nadu-5495722/|title=Cyclone Phethai Highlights: 20,000 people shifted to relief camps, storm weakens|website=The Indian Express|date=December 18, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> Within [[Krishna district]], 68 relief centers, 15 health teams, and 155 firefighters were put on standby, as local officials prepared for the storm. The Rural Water Supply setup 3 water tankers in each of the district's villages, while also producing more than 500 sandbags. Machinery was also readied to help clear downed trees. While electrical departments ordered crews to be stationed every 6 miles (10 km), to quickly restore power.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mynation.com/news/cyclone-phethai-to-hit-andhra-pradesh-on-december-17-state-on-high-alert-pjs0o0|title=Cyclone Phethai to hit Andhra Pradesh on December 17; state on high alert|website=MyNation|date=December 15, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2018-12-16/Cyclone-Phethai-Andhra-Pradesh-govt-gears-up-all-its-wings-to-attend-emergencies/459816|title= Cyclone Phethai: Andhra Pradesh govt. gears up all its wings to attend emergencies|author=VKL Gayatri|website=The Hans India|date=December 16, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref>

In [[Odisha]], roughly 11,600 residents were evacuated from the [[Gajapati district]]. These residents were evacuated due to the damage remaining from [[Cyclone Titli]], just two months previously.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/over-11-000-people-evacuated-in-odisha-as-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-andhra-pradesh-1964123|title=Over 11,000 Evacuated In Odisha As Cyclone Phethai Hits Andhra|author=Press Trust of India|website=NDTV|date=December 18, 2018|access-date=February 2, 2021}}</ref> Farmers in the state were asked to take measures to protect their crops from the results of heavy rainfall.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-odisha-government-evacuates-11-600-people-as-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-neighbouring-andhra-pradesh-493738|title= Odisha government evacuates 11,600 people as Cyclone Phethai makes landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh|website=India TV News|date=December 18, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2021}}</ref> The [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) warned of a chance of heavy rains in the northern part of [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/905609/cyclone-phethai-imd-predicts-heavy-rain-in-coastal-parts-of-andhra-pradesh-tamil-nadu-on-weekend|title=Cyclone Phethai: IMD predicts heavy rain in coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu on weekend|website=Scroll.in|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref>

Some fishing communities were advised to exercise cautions when fishing from [[Trincomalee]] to [[Mannar, Sri Lanka|Mannar]] via [[Kankesanthurai]] in [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="Forecasted">{{Cite web|title=Cyclonic storm ‘Phethai’ moving away from Sri Lanka|url=https://www.news.lk/news/business/item/23370-cyclonic-storm-phethai-moving-away-from-sri-lanka|access-date=2021-04-07|website=www.news.lk-gb}}</ref> Gusty winds and some squally rainfall were also expected in these areas.<ref name="Forecasted"/>

==Impact==
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| header = Conditions before and after the passage of Phethai in [[Visakhapatnam]].

| image1 = Weather just before Phethai cyclone stuck in Visakhapatnam.jpg
| width1 = 200px
| caption1 =

| image2 = Weather after Phethai cyclone stuck in Visakhapatnam.jpg
| width2 = 200px
| caption2 =
}}
Showers and thunderstorms associated with Phethai affected [[Sri Lanka]] during its development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/As-Phethai-cyclone-intensifies-Fishermen-warned-159855.html|title=As Phethai cyclone intensifies: Fishermen warned|website=Daily Mirror|date=December 16, 2018|access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> After moving onshore, Phethai brought torrential rainfall and strong winds in [[Andhra Pradesh]] which downed trees and electrical lines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/12/18/deadly-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-india|title=Deadly Cyclone Phethai makes landfall in India|website=Al Jazeera|date=December 18, 2018|access-date=February 5, 2021}}</ref> A peak precipitation accumulation of 156.5 mm (6.16 in) was reported in the city of Ninnimamidivalasa in [[Visakhapatnam]],<ref name="NewsMir" >{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/cyclone-phethai-claims-two-lives-andhra-weakens-after-making-landfall-93541|title=Cyclone Phethai claims two lives in Andhra, weakens after making landfall|author=Charan Teja|website=The News Mir|date=December 18, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> while the village of [[Pachipenta]] recorded a rainfall amount of 136 mm.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Deadly Cyclone Phethai makes landfall in India|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/12/18/deadly-cyclone-phethai-makes-landfall-in-india|access-date=2021-04-07|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref> During the storm, seven fishermen went missing offshore the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/cyclone-phethai-leaves-one-dead-seven-missing-in-andhra-pradesh-weakened-storm-now-moving-towards-odisha-5748521.html|title=Cyclone Phethai leaves one dead, seven missing in Andhra Pradesh; 'weakened' storm now moving towards Odisha|author=Press Trust of India|website=Firstpost|date=December 18, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref>

A 40-year-old man was killed after a boulder crashed through his roof in [[Vijayawada]]. Another man in the city was hurtled down a small hill due to heavy rainfall, killing him. A 68-year-old woman was also killed in Pallepalem. In the [[East Godavari district]], streets in more than 50 locations were left impassible but were quickly cleared. Power outages were reported in 99 villages within the district.<ref name="NewsMir"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/environment/cyclone-phethai-andhra-news|title=One Killed as Cyclone Phethai Storms Through Andhra Pradesh|author=PTI|website=The Wire|date=December 18, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref>

In the town of [[Amalapuram]], a rare phenomenon of [[Rain of animals#Fish|fish rain]] was reported along a [[canal]] on December 17. A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing more than 100 bodies of fish on land near the canal. A possible cause of this occurrence was high wind bringing the bodies of fish and frogs onshore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://weather.com/en-IN/india/news/news/2018-12-17-cyclonic-phethai-shower-fish-on-andhras-amalapuram|title=Cyclone Phethai Showers Fish on Andhra's Amalapuram|author=V Kamalakara Rao|website=The Weather Channel India|date=December 17, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
Following the cyclone, the Government of [[Odisha]] began to assess damage to crops in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/odisha-to-assess-crop-damage-caused-by-cyclone-phethai-118121900364_1.html|title=Odisha to assess crop damage caused by Cyclone Phethai|author=Press Trust of India|website=Business Standard|date=December 19, 2018|access-date=March 7, 2021}}</ref> Some assistance would be given to the farmers regarding the major damages to rice paddies from the aftermath of the cyclone.<ref>{{Cite web|last=World|first=Republic|title=Odisha to assess crop damage caused by Cyclone Phethai|url=https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/odisha-to-assess-crop-damage-caused-by-cyclone-phethai.html|access-date=2021-04-07|website=Republic World}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[Tropical cyclones in 2018]]
*[[Cyclone Fani]] (2019) — affected similar areas in May 2019.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}

{{2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season buttons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Phethai}}
[[Category:2018 in India]]
[[Category:2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
[[Category:Severe cyclonic storms]]
[[Category:December 2018 events in Asia]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in India]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2018]]
[[Category:2018 in Sri Lanka]]

Cyclone Phethai - Revision history

>Colonies Chris at 08:07, 22 May 2021