On average, five storms form in the North Indian Ocean every season with dual peaks in activity during May and November.

The storm produced hurricane-force winds and attained a barometric air pressure of 974 mbar (hPa; 28.76 inHg).

With peak winds estimated at 150 km/h (95 mph) and a pressure of 966.7 mbar (hPa; 28.55 inHg), it struck just three weeks after the previous system devastated the same area.

Over the following two days, the depression intensified into a cyclonic storm, with gale-force winds extending 150 km (90 mi) from the center.

During the overnight hours of May 16 through 17, the SS Mohammedi sailed almost directly into the center of the cyclone, reporting a barometric pressure of 974 mbar (hPa; 28.76 inHg) and 9.1 m (30 ft) waves.

Later that day, the storm weakened so rapidly the crew of the S.S. Exchequer were able to watch the pressure on their barometer actively rise.

[6][5] As a developing cyclone, the system brought monsoon-like moisture to much of the Maldives, Ceylon (present-day Sri Lanka), and southern India between May 14 and 17.

[7] Tracking northward,[8] it intensified into a deep depression before making landfall on the Sundarbans region of West Bengal—near the border of East Pakistan—early on May 28.

Based on measurements from nearby stations, it is estimated that the system attained a minimum pressure of 988 mb (hPa; 29.18 inHg) just as it moved ashore.

[10] Widespread heavy rains accompanied the depression along portions of the coast from Orissa to West Bengal and as far inland as Madhya.

By July 2, the system developed into a shallow land depression while situated 80 km (50 mi) north of Veraval.

Tracking west-northwestward, the system crossed the Indian coastline later that day near Balasore, where a pressure of 996.1 mbar (hPa; 29.41 inHg) was measured.

[15][16] The system finally weakened on August 18 as it resumed moving northwestward again, and two days later it dissipated over southeastern Rajasthan.

Large areas of Uttar Pradesh were left submerged, and significant crop and property damage took place in Punjab.

Striking South Vietnam, the storm slowly moved over Indochina, ultimately crossing 100°E and entering the basin on October 5 while over Thailand.

[25] The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimated that the storm attained one-minute sustained winds of 155 km/h (95 mph).

[26] Turning northeastward, the system made landfall between Barisal and Noakhali in East Pakistan,[25] with the eye passing directly over the islands of Bhola, Hatia, and Ramgati.

[31] On October 18, members of the East Pakistani military were deployed to the hardest hit areas to provide stable communication and clean drinking water.

Steadily intensifying, several ships encountered the storms increasing winds as it moved northward in the Bay.

[32] NOAA estimated that the storm peaked with one-minute sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) and a pressure of 966.7 mbar (hPa; 28.55 inHg).

[32] The storm's intense winds, estimated as high as 240 km/h (150 mph) on Sandwip Island,[26] leveled buildings and scattered debris over large distances.

[32][33] Following the mass casualties from the two storms, the Government of Pakistan requested the assistance of former National Hurricane Center director, Gordon E. Dunn, to improve the warning system.

Though the storm itself did not impact land, associated moisture combined with a low over the Bay of Bengal to produce heavy rains across Madras State and nearby islands from November 5 to 10.

Heavy rains fell across much of Madras State in association with the system; a 24‑hour total of 240 mm (9.4 in) was reported in Nagapattinam.

On November 20, the system attained its peak intensity with winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) and a minimum pressure of 994 mbar (hPa; 29.35 inHg).

On November 20, as it neared the coast of Tamil Nadu, it intensified into a cyclonic storm, with gusts estimated as high as 135 km/h (84 mph).

[38] Heavy rains impacted most of southern Madras State, with a maximum daily total of 110 mm (4.3 in) in Punalur.

The most significant damage took place in Madras City where gale-force winds uprooted trees and disrupted transport and communications.

Many poorly constructed homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm, leaving numerous low-income families homeless.

[38] On November 24, the SS Rajula sailed under a well-defined trough over the southwest Bay of Bengal and reported 55 km/h (35 mph) winds.