Strengthening Indian Ocean cyclone douses islands with foot of rain

Soon to be Tropical Cyclone Vardah has dumped more than a foot of rain on the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Specifically, 330 mm fell at Car Nicobar Indian Air Force base, according to "Vagaries of the Weather." The image shown below illustrates the heavy rain rates -- 50 mm or 2 inches per hour overnight.

1-Hour Hydro Estimated Satellite Rainfall 12/7/16 by SSEC RealEarth

According to Indian Express, 800-1,200 tourists were stranded on the Andamans due to heavy rains and high winds -- ships from the Indian Navy are rescuing. We expect the cyclone to continue to lash the islands today and tomorrow, then bring damaging winds and heavy rains to the eastern India coast early next week.

Current Forecast For Indian Ocean Tropical Threat