Cyclone Nilofar
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Nilofar was, at the time, the third-strongest cyclone in the Arabian Sea. In late October 2014, it reached peak maximum sustained winds estimated between 205 km/h (125 mph) and 215 km/h (130 mph). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) named it Nilofar; the name refers to the water lily, and was suggested by Pakistan. The western fringes of the storm caused flash flooding in northeastern Oman, killing four people.
Nilofar shortly before peak intensity on October 28 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 25, 2014 |
| Dissipated | October 31, 2014 |
| Extremely severe cyclonic storm | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 205 km/h (125 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 950 hPa (mbar); 28.05 inHg |
| Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS) | |
| Highest winds | 215 km/h (130 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 937 hPa (mbar); 27.67 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 4 total |
| Damage | Minimal |
| Areas affected | Oman, India, Pakistan |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2014 North Indian Ocean cyclone season | |
Nilofar originated from a low-pressure area between India and the Arabian Peninsula. It developed into a depression on October 25 and moved generally northward through an area of favorable conditions. The system intensified into a cyclonic storm on October 26. Quickly organizing due to the conditions, Nilofar developed a well-defined eye and structure, attaining its peak intensity on October 28. At the time, Nilofar was expected to make landfall in western India, prompting evacuations and preparations. However, high wind shear caused the storm to rapidly weaken, and Nilofar degraded into a remnant low-pressure area on October 31 off the Indian state of Gujarat.