Pathanamthitta: The low pressure formed off Kanyakumari could gather into a cyclonic storm, the Met department has warned, reviving the worst fears left behind by Cyclone Ockhi. The next storm would claim the name Luban, as suggested by Oman in accordance with an international naming convention.
The low pressure concentrated between Kanyakumari and the Gulf of Mannar near Rameswaram could give birth to a cyclone that is expected to trace the same trail of destruction as Ockhi. This could lead to heavy downpour in south Kerala. North Kerala can breath easy for now.
The forecast is made gloomier by the possible presence of another low pressure formation over the Bay of Bengal by October 8.
The cyclone is expected travel over the Arabian Sea and make landfall in Oman. American forecasters have warned that the cyclone could spin its way into Gujarat or Karachi.
The turbulence in the sea in the southern and western waters off Kerala has prompted alerts to marine vessels voyaging the routes. Fishermen have been asked to return by Thursday night.
