Cyclone 93S Seed Threatens Banten, BMKG Warns of Extreme Weather on December 18-25 

Illustration - Rain conditions in the Kupang City area, East Nusa Tenggara. (ANTARA/Yoseph Boli Bataona)

SERANG - The Regional Meteorological, Climatology, and Geophysics Center (BBMKG) Region II warns of the potential for extreme weather in Banten Province in the period of 18-25 December due to the emergence of the 93S cyclone seed observed in the Indian Ocean southwest of East Java.

Head of the Regional Meteorology and Geophysics Center II Hartanto said that the cyclone had a maximum wind speed of 35 knots or about 65 kilometers per hour with a minimum pressure of 1,000 hektopascal.

"This tropical cyclone potential in the next 24 hours to develop into a tropical cyclone with a moderate to high category. This condition can increase rainfall and strong winds in the Banten Province area," said Hartanto in Serang City, Antara, Friday, December 19.

BMKG noted the formation of an area of wind speed deceleration or convergence around the Banten region which supports the growth of rain clouds. This condition is strengthened by the presence of low-frequency waves on Java Island, high air humidity, and a relatively unstable atmosphere.

Based on the BMKG's analysis, moderate to heavy rain is potentially occurring in the central and southern parts of Tangerang Regency, Tangerang City, South Tangerang City, East and South Lebak Regency, Serang Regency, Serang City, and Cilegon City.

Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rain is predicted to hit Pandeglang Regency as well as the western and southern Serang Regency.

In addition to rain, BMKG also warns of the potential for strong winds with speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour in Tangerang Regency, Tangerang City, South Tangerang City, West and South Pandeglang Regency, North and South Lebak Regency, Serang Regency, Serang City, and Cilegon City.

BMKG urges the public to remain calm but increase vigilance, especially for residents living in flood-prone areas, landslides, flash floods, and fallen trees. A number of proactive steps are recommended, such as ensuring that water channels are not blocked, avoiding travel to vulnerable areas, and securing important items.

Hartanto also emphasized the importance of following official information from the BMKG. "Trust official information and do not easily be influenced by information that is unclear about its source. Monitor the latest information through the InfoBMKG application and social media channels @bmkgwilayah2," he said.

BMKG asked the community and local governments to continue to improve their preparedness so that the impact of extreme weather can be minimized, especially in urban areas and densely populated coastal areas.