Bhubaneswar: The well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression on Saturday, raising the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rain in several parts of Odisha in next few days.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to move west-north-westwards and intensify further into a deep depression by Sunday.
It may further intensity into a cyclonic storm over southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27. The possible cyclone is likely to be called ‘Montha’ Thereafter, it is likely to move north-westwards towards Andhra Pradesh coast during the subsequent 48 hours.
As per preliminary forecasts, coastal Andhra Pradesh may experience the most significant impact, while Odisha is likely face heavy to very heavy rain, gusty winds, and localised thunderstorms.
As the system develops, the IMD has issued warnings of rainfall, wind, and sea condition for several coastal states, including Odisha. On Sunday, light to moderate rain is likely to occur in most places with isolated heavy rainfall in some parts of Odisha.
During October 27–29, heavy to very heavy rain is expected to lash isolated locations across the state.
Regarding wind flow, it said squally winds with speeds of 35–45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph are prevailing now over the southeast Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal.
Wind speeds are likely to increase to 50–60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph over the central Bay of Bengal on October 25, and to 60–70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph from October 26 evening till October 27 evening.
Further, gale winds may reach 80–90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal from October 27 evening to October 29.
Along and off the Odisha coast, squally winds of 35–45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph are likely from October 26, increasing to 50–60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph by October 28–29.
Sea Conditions:
Sea conditions are moderate to rough over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea, turning rough to very rough over the central Bay on October 25, and high from October 26 evening onwards.
Along and off the Odisha coast, seas will turn rough to very rough on October 27 and very rough to high between October 28 and 29.
Warning for fishermen:
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal and along & off Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh coasts till October 29, and the Odisha coast from October 26 to 29.
Fishermen already at sea have been urged to return to the coast immediately and avoid venturing into deep waters until conditions improve.