‘Sitrang’ To Intensify Into Severe Cyclonic Storm In 12 Hours, Heavy Rain Alert For Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Sitrang is likely to intensify further and become a severe cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours, the India Meteorological Department informed on Monday.

“Cyclonic storm Sitrang moved north-northeastwards with a speed of 12 kmph during the past 6 hours. It is very likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 12 hours,” it said.

The system is expected to cross Bangladesh coast between Tinkona Island and Sandwip close to Barisal on Tuesday morning.

Under its influence, heavy rain may lash six districts of Odisha – Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur and Cuttack. Many places in the north coastal and south coastal Odisha, and a few places in the remaining districts of the state are also likely to witness moderate rain/thundershower.

Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is expected along and off Odisha coast on Monday. The following day, wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely along and off Balasore district and 40 to 50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph off in remaining north coastal areas of Odisha, the MeT office said.