NEW DELHI - Authorities in the western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra sounded an alert as Cyclone Shakhti intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Saturday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the cyclone is likely to move west-southwestwards and reach the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by Sunday.

Authorities in Maharashtra have sounded an alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Accordingly, the instructions for preparation in response to Cyclone Shakhti have been issued.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall in the interior regions of Maharashtra, particularly East Vidarbha and parts of Marathwada, has been predicted.

Officials say low-lying areas of North Konkan may face flooding due to intense cloud formation and moisture infiltration.

The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Northwest Arabian Sea, adjoining areas of the northeast Arabian Sea, the central Arabian Sea and along and off Gujarat-north Maharashtra coasts until Tuesday.