Tropical cyclone Helen set to cross Andhra Pradesh today

Researchers have warned that tropical Cyclone 04B renamed as "Helen" has strengthened and is slowly nearing landfall in southeastern India.

On November 20 at 1200 UTC/7 a.m. EST, Tropical Cyclone Helen had maximum sustained winds near 50 knots per 57.5 mph per 92.6 kph. It was centered near 15.5 north and 83.9 east, about 499 nautical miles per 574.2 miles per 924.1 km south-southwest of Calcutta, India.

A mid-level subtropical ridge (elongated area) of high pressure is expected to slowly build east of Helen and steer the storm on a more western track in the next day.

Current warnings are in effect for fishermen along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, who are advised to return to shore.

Animated multispectral satellite showed a resurgence of deep convection over the low-level center of circulation. Satellite data also showed that the band of thunderstorms that appeared strong to the north has weakened and become fragmented.

Visible and short wave infrared data from ESA's METEO-7 satellite and rainfall data from NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission or TRMM satellite was combined at the Naval Research Laboratory to create a composite image of the storm on Nov. 20.

The image showed the clouds associated with Helen were mostly still over the open waters of the Arabian Sea, and that south of the center, light rainfall was occurring.

Helen is expected to intensify to 60 knots per 69.0 mph per 111.1 kph over the next two days and weaken before landfall.

Helen is forecast to pass just south of the Yelichetladibba Palem and Nachugunta Reserved Forests in Andhra Pradesh, located in the coastal plain of Krishna Delta.

Helen is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Chinnaganjam in southeastern India.