‘Extremely severe’ Cyclone Tauktae slams into Gujarat, India

The India Meteorological Department tweeted that Tauktae made landfall at 10:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. eastern) Monday.

For the latest news on the storm, see: Cyclone Tauktae strikes India’s west coast, disrupting crucial battle against coronavirus

Parts of western India are bracing for a direct strike from a powerhouse “extremely severe cyclonic storm” on Monday night local time, with the potential for devastating impacts as destructive winds combine with a significant storm surge, or rise in ocean water above normally dry land.

Cyclone Tauktae, named on Friday morning Eastern time, is barreling toward the Indian state of Gujarat at major hurricane strength.

Tauktae comes as India continues to grapple with a major spike in coronavirus cases and an outbreak of black fungus. While thousands in Gujarat were evacuated to shelters farther inland, concern rose about potential further transmission of the virus.

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The storm, which is packing winds over 115 mph (100 knots) according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, is expected to strike near the southern tip of Gujarat on Monday night into early Tuesday morning local time. Winds this strong are the equivalent to those in a Category 3 hurricane.

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