Bhubaneswar: The well-marked low-pressure area intensified into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea at 5.30 am on Sunday. It is likely to intensify further into a deep depression during the next 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department tweeted this morning.
According to the IMD, the system is likely to move nearly northwards along and off Andaman and Nicobar Islands before intensifying into a deep depression. It is likely to take the shape of a cyclonic storm in the subsequent 12 hours and move nearly north-northeastwards before reaching near north Myanmar – southeast Bangladesh coasts on March 22.
Notably, it is after almost two decades that the Indian Ocean will see a storm in the month of March. If the system intensifies into a cyclonic storm, it will be called ‘Cyclone Asani’, a name given by Sri Lanka.
Also Read: ‘Cyclone Asani’ Brewing In Bay Of Bengal: Who Named This Cyclone & What Does It Mean?
WIND WARNING
Squally weather conditions with wind speed reaching 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph are very likely to prevail over Andaman and Nicobar Islands, eastcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal from the early morning of March 21. It would gradually increase becoming Gale winds speed reaching 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph over the region the same evening.
Gale winds speed reaching 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph are expected over eastcentral Bay of Bengal and along and off Myanmar coast and gradually reduce and becoming squally winds speed reaching 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph over the same region from March 22 evening.
RAINFALL
Light to moderate rainfall/thundershower has been forecast at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall over the Andaman Islands From March 21. Light to moderate rainfall is also likely at a few places in Nicobar Islands.
While six teams of the National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in view of the impending cyclone, the local administration is also sensitising fishermen colonies against the danger and evacuated them to safer places, Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, informed.
IMPACT ON ODISHA
The cyclonic storm, however, is unlikely to have any impact on the state if it follows the predicted trajectory.
The state, which is witnessing dry weather conditions, may experience rain under the influence of this system.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain or thundershower at one or two places in Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada on March 21. One or two places in Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak and Balasore are likely to experience rain during the subsequent 24 hours.
On March 23, light to moderate rain or thundershower is also likely at one or two places in Coastal Odisha, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Koraput.
The maximum temperature in the state is likely to rise thereafter.
Also Read: Rare March Storm May Make Weather Hotter In Odisha
