Cyclonic Storm Ashobaa: First Tropical storm of the season

Cyclonic storm Ashobaa in Arabian Sea is the first tropical storm of the pre-monsoon season in the Indian seas.
The cyclonic storm was formed after intensified deep depression (low pressure zone) was developed over east central Arabian Sea about 590 km west southwest of Mumbai, 470 km southwest of Veraval (Gujarat) and 960 km east-southeast of Masirah Island (Oman).
After its formation the cyclonic storm has moved northwestwards. The system has potential to intensify further. But this cyclonic storm will not hit Indian states severely as it has further moved north-northwesterly direction towards Oman. Northwestern coastal states of India such as Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Karnatakawill only face strong winds along with showers.
Naming
The name Ashobaa to this tropical storm was given by Sri Lanka which is one of eight countries that are naming tropical cyclones in North Indian Ocean region on rotational basis. The series of naming by countries is Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The last cyclone called Nilofer (2014) was suggested by Pakistan. Next cyclone formed in future will have name Komen, suggested by Thailand.
Advantages of naming cyclones/ storms:

• Provide easy communication between forecasters and the general public regarding forecasts and warnings.
• Since the storms occur in the same basin at the same time, names can reduce the confusion about what storm is being described.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2015