What is 4-stage warning system for Tropical Cyclones?
Expectations of Disaster Managers are longer lead time and improved accuracy of landfall forecast. But the present state of art has limitations to make the above requirements go hand in hand. Lead time depends on the formation and duration of cyclone itself which may vary considerably from one cyclone to another. However, since pre-monsoon cyclone season of 1999, IMD introduced a 4-Stage warning system to issue cyclone warnings to the disaster managers. They are as follows: (1) Pre-Cyclone Watch Issued when a depression forms over the Bay of Bengal irrespective of its distance from the coast and is likely to affect Indian coast in future. The pre-cyclone watch is issued by the name of Director General of Meteorology and is issued at least 72 hours in advance of the commencement of adverse weather. It is issued at least once a day. (2) Cyclone Alert Issued atleast 48 hours before the commencement of the bad weather when the cyclone is located beyond 500 Km from the coast. It is issued e
