Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic storm brewing over the Bay of Bengal is likely to approach the coasts of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha by the morning of October 28, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said on Friday.
According to the weather agency, a low-pressure area formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday morning. The system is expected to intensify into a depression by Saturday, October 24, and further strengthen into a deep depression by October 25. By the morning of October 26, it is projected to develop into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal.
“The system is likely to move west-northwestwards and reach the vicinity of the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts by the morning of October 28,” Dr. Mohapatra stated.
Squally winds reaching speeds of 35 to 45 kmph are currently prevailing over the east-central Bay of Bengal. Wind speeds are forecasted to escalate to 45–55 kmph with gusts up to 65 kmph on Saturday, reaching 55–65 kmph with gusts up to 75 kmph on October 25. By October 26 morning, surface winds could intensify to 70–80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, with further acceleration expected as the storm nears the coast.
Fishermen have been strongly advised against venturing into the central and southeast Bay of Bengal between October 23 and 25.
The weather office has predicted heavy rainfall over the Andaman Islands until October 25, while coastal Odisha is likely to experience precipitation starting October 26. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated on October 27, followed by extremely heavy rainfall on October 28 and 29.
The IMD chief added that the exact location and timing of the cyclone’s landfall will be pinpointed once the system consolidates into a depression. The system remains under continuous monitoring as it evolves over the Bay of Bengal.
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state machinery has been activated to deal with any eventuality and appealed to the public not to panic.
“Collectors of all coastal districts have been asked to remain on high alert and be ready to respond to any situation. Rescue teams have been mobilised and we have assessed requirements for the post-cyclone period. Arrangements are in place,” Mr Pujari said.
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