Eye Of Severe Cyclonic Storm Asani Visible, ‘Weak System’ To Cross Odisha Coast Near Gopalpur

Bhubaneswar: The eye of the severe cyclonic storm Asani was visible from Machilipatnam Doppler radar at 9 am on Tuesday and it is expected to come close to Gopalpur on May 12, triggering heavy rainfall in coastal Odisha.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system will weaken into a deep depression and cross the Odisha coast around 77 km east-southeast of Gopalpur, 106 km south-southwest of Puri, 154 km south-southwest of Bhubaneswar and 180 km south-southwest of Cuttack around 5:30 pm on May 12.

The severe cyclonic storm over westcentral Bay of Bengal was about southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 330 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 510 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha) and 590 km south-southwest of Puri (Odisha) at 5.30 am on May 10. It is likely to move nearly northwestwards till May 10 night and reach Westcentral Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh coast. Thereafter, it is very likely to recurve north-northeastwards and move towards northwest Bay of Bengal off North Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts. It is likely to weaken gradually into a Cyclonic Storm during the next 24 hours, the MeT office said.

The rainfall intensity is likely to increase in coastal districts from Wednesday with heavy spells of 7-11 cm in some areas.

Rainfall Warning

May 10

• Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri.
• Light to moderate rain or thundershower is very likely to occur at many places over the districts of coastal Odisha, at a few places over the districts of Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and at one or two places over rest districts of Odisha.

May 11

• Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack.
• Light to moderate rain or thundershower is very likely to occur at most places over the districts of coastal Odisha and at a few places over the districts of interior Odisha.

May 12

• Heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore.
• Light to moderate rain or thundershower is very likely to occur at many places over the districts of coastal Odisha and at a few places over districts of interior Odisha.

Wind Warning

Squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to continue along and off Odisha coast during May 10-12.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 12. Action will be taken if anyone is found violating the orders, said Special Relief Commissioner.