The sky remained overcast for most of the day with parts of the city receiving mild showers. Following reports from the meteorological department of the cyclone in the Arabian sea, a meeting was called by the authorities late on Tuesday to take precautionary measures.

The Gujarat Maritime Board officials ruled out any connection between the presence of cyclonic winds and the high tide. However, following reports of the cyclone, the GMB authorities hoisted storm signal No 9 at the Magdalla Port. The highest signal is No 11.

According to the annual tide chart, the tide level on May 18 is about 5.5 meters. GMB officials claimed the tide was highest on Sunday, but that went unnoticed because the weather was normal. However, many slums in the low-lying areas beneath Vivekananda and Nehru bridges were under water. The water level started rising by 4.40 p.m. and by 6.30 p.m. many of them were under two to three feet water.

The freak weather and cyclone warnings, coupled with gusty winds, brought hundreds of Surtis onto the bridges. Almost everyone made it a point to stop on the bridge and see the sudden influx of water. With the memories of last September's flood still fresh in their minds, the slum-dwellers were a worried lot.

The only consolation was that this time the water had come from the opposite side and was expected to ebb after the tide subsided, unlike the flood that had been caused by release of excess water from the Ukai dam. GMB officials said the spring tide would last for a couple of more days before returning to normal.

About two dozen barges were anchored at the jetty and two ships are anchored mid-sea. The industrial giants located on the coast have already taken precautions.

According to a port official, the GMB staff's cyclone duty had begun on May 1 and they would remain on alert till November 30.