The deep depression over the Arabian Sea has intensified into cyclonic storm Tauktae and is likely to cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around May 18.
The India Meteorological Department said on Saturday that the cyclone is expected to further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and remain so from May 16-18 with a wind speed of 150-160 kilometres per hour gusting up to 175 kmph.
The National Disaster Response Force has increased its relief and rescue teams to 100 from 53 and these have been mobilised for deployment in the coastal regions of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra.
A moderate to high risk alert has been issued for watersheds in central and northern parts of Kerala, adjoining south coastal and south interior Karnataka.
According to the IMD, Konkan and Goa are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 15 and 16.