Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23 (UDN): Odisha is likely to experience a spell of intense and prolonged rainfall as a Depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a Deep Depression before moving towards the coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
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According to IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the system is likely to strengthen by Tuesday evening or night and move in a west-northwestward direction before crossing the coast between Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Gopalpur in Odisha on the night of September 23.
South Odisha Likely to Receive Prolonged Rain
The weather system is expected to slow down as it approaches the coast, potentially resulting in prolonged heavy rainfall across southern Odisha.
Several districts in the region may receive very heavy rainfall, while extremely heavy rain is likely at isolated places, according to the weather office.
The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity along the coast may begin to ease from September 24. However, interior parts of Odisha could experience increased rainfall intensity as the system moves inland.
After crossing the coast, the system is expected to gradually travel north-northwestwards towards Chhattisgarh.
Strong Winds, Landslides Possible
The Deep Depression is likely to produce wind speeds of around 55-65 kmph near the time of landfall.
The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds could create problems in vulnerable areas, particularly in hilly and mountainous districts. The IMD has warned of the possibility of landslides and mudslides in susceptible locations.
Strong winds could also damage smaller trees and branches, while standing crops, including paddy, may be affected by the heavy rainfall.
IMD Keeps Close Watch on System
Dr Mohapatra said the system’s relatively slow movement near the Odisha coast could increase the duration and intensity of rainfall over southern districts.
The weather department is closely monitoring the system and its expected movement, with residents in vulnerable areas advised to follow official weather warnings and instructions issued by local authorities.
The developing system comes as several parts of Odisha remain under heightened weather alerts, particularly across the southern districts, where authorities have been asked to maintain preparedness for heavy rainfall and associated risks.
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