'It could well be that the storm (cyclone Nisarga) will end up being weak, or will only affect areas less populated than Mumbai, or both. But because Mumbai is so exposed and so vulnerable, even a small chance of a major tropical cyclone landfall there is worth being aware of, as far ahead as possible. There does seem to be, at present, such a chance,' writes Adam Sobel, atmospheric scientist and professor Columbia University, New York City, here.