The current structure of cyclone Hudhud suggests that it could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm very soon, but will definitely not be as devastating as Phailin. The latter had intensified into a Super cyclone but weakened to a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall.
At the moment cyclone Hudhud is moving at a speed of 10 kmph and is punched with winds speed of 110 kmph at the core gusting at 130 kmph, demonstrating strength equivalent to CAT I storm. It could also turn into a CAT III storm but will not be as intense as Phailin.
Phailin was the strongest tropical cyclone that ever made landfall in India, behind only the Odisha Cyclone which ripped through the state in 1999. At the time of landfall Phailin was punched with strong winds blowing at about 200- 220 kmph.
Similarities between Hudhud and Phailin
The present storm is likely to make landfall between Visakhapatnam in Andhra coast and Gopalpur in Odisha on the 12th morning. Phailin had lashed Gopalpur in Ganjam district of Odisha on October 12, 2013. In its wake, Phailin brought torrential rains in Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Just like Phailin, Hudhud also originated in the Gulf of Siam and is following the same path.
Nevertheless, one should always keep in mind that no two cyclones are absolutely similar in nature. Cyclones in general are complex and leave a trail of mysteries unresolved.
