The government’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology announced on Thursday that a depression that had formed over the western part of the Bay of Bengal has developed into a cyclone.

The tropical storm has been named Cyclone Roanu and is classified as a yellow-level threat, but is not likely to move towards Burma, said the department.

It warned, however, that the storm could trigger pockets of thunder showers across the country and bring heavy rain to western Burma’s Chin and Arakan states. Strong tides along the coast and wind speeds of 50-60mph were also likely, it said.

The department also warned of possible landslides in hilly areas and flash floods next to rivers and creeks. Passenger vessels and fishing boats operating along the coast have also been warned to take precautions.

[related]

Respected meteorologist Tun Lwin warned that the cyclone could bring heavy weather patterns along the western Burma coast over the next 48 hours.

In an announcement on Thursday morning, Tun Lwin said Cyclone Roanu is expected to make landfall on Saturday evening, with the eye over Bangladesh, causing strong wind, rain and tidal waves along the Arakan shore.

“Although the storm is expected to be centred in Bangladesh when it makes landfall on the evening of 21 May, it is also likely to swipe through the northern part of Arakan State,” he said.

He said the wind speed during the storm is expected to rise to 40-50mph, causing waves as high as 10 to 14ft. He estimated that the expected storm surge would be between 1 and 2ft.