Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar on Thursday warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts in Odisha due to a developing low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coasts.
According to the bulletin, a cyclonic circulation persists over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal-north Odisha coasts. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region around August 29.
Rainfall Forecast & Warnings
Aug 27
Orange Warning: Heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at one or two places in the districts of Baleshwar, and Mayurbhanj .
Yellow Warning: Heavy rain is also likely in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Sundaragada, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, and Gajapati.
Aug 28
Orange Warning: Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj.
Yellow Warning: Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, and Boudh.
Aug 29
Orange Warning: Baleshwar, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj.
Yellow Warning: Widespread heavy rainfall across the state, including Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Khordha and Nayagada
Aug 30
Orange Warning: Baleshwar, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi.
Yellow Warning: 25 districts across Odisha – Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudh, Kandhamala, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada .
Aug 31
Orange Warning: Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Balangir.
Yellow Warning: Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, and Koraput.
Expected Impact & Official Advisory
The weather department has cautioned against flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying urban areas, and potential landslides or mudslides in vulnerable areas. Disruption of traffic and potential minor damage to power lines, kutcha roads, and standing crops are also expected due to squally surface winds. The weather could also impact marine and inland water transportation like small boats and trawlers, and also helicopter services.
People in these areas have been advised to stay indoors, close doors/windows, and avoid non-essential travel. “Avoid taking shelter under trees or leaning against concrete walls during lightning/winds. Unplug electrical appliances and immediately exit water bodies.”
Squally weather with wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, may also prevail along and off Odisha coast on August 30-31. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea during this period.