Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: Odisha is bracing for a possible cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intensification of the weather system and its approach towards the southern Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts by the morning of October 28.
Representational Image
The developing system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to several parts of Odisha, with coastal districts likely to experience worsening weather conditions from October 26. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 27, followed by the possibility of extremely heavy downpours on October 28 and 29.
However, the precise landfall location and the intensity of the system at the time of landfall have not yet been determined.
System Likely to Intensify into Cyclonic Storm
According to IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen progressively over the coming days.
The system was forecast to develop into a depression on October 24, intensify into a deep depression on October 25 and potentially become a cyclonic storm by October 26.
Wind speeds were forecast to reach 70–80 kmph, with gusts of up to 90 kmph, as the system developed. Wind speeds could increase further as it moves closer to the coast.
The weather system is expected to travel west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coastal region. Its subsequent movement and intensity will determine the extent of the impact on the coastal districts.
Odisha IMD Director Manorama Mohanty also indicated that the system could intensify into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26 before approaching the coast over the following two days.
Heavy Rainfall Likely Across Several Districts
The approaching system is expected to trigger widespread rainfall across Odisha, with some districts facing the possibility of exceptionally heavy precipitation.
Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri are among the districts likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated locations potentially experiencing extremely heavy showers.
Other districts forecast to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places include Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur.
The expected spell of intense rainfall could increase the risk of localised waterlogging, flooding in vulnerable areas and disruption to road transport and normal activities. The actual impact will depend on the system’s movement, rainfall distribution and local conditions.
Coastal Areas Face Increasing Weather Risks
With the system expected to move closer to the Odisha coast, coastal districts may experience deteriorating weather conditions from October 26 onwards.
The possibility of stronger winds and intense rainfall makes continued monitoring of the system particularly important for coastal communities, fishermen and people living in low-lying and vulnerable areas.
Residents should follow official weather bulletins and advisories issued by the IMD and local authorities. Fishermen should pay close attention to restrictions or warnings regarding sea conditions and fishing activities.
People in areas prone to flooding should also remain alert to official instructions and be prepared to move to safer locations if directed by the authorities.
Exact Landfall Location Yet to Be Confirmed
Despite the likelihood of further intensification, the IMD has not yet specified the exact point where the system may make landfall or confirmed the wind speed expected at that time.
The forecast indicates that the system may approach the southern Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts around the morning of October 28. Its eventual track, intensity and coastal impact will become clearer as further observations and forecasts become available.
The distinction is important: the system’s approach towards the coast has been forecast, but a precise landfall location has not yet been confirmed.
Odisha Keeps a Close Watch on Developing Situation
The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of the potential weather threat. Changes in the system’s direction, speed and intensity could influence rainfall patterns and the level of preparedness required across affected districts.
With heavy rainfall expected from October 26 and the possibility of extremely heavy showers later in the week, residents are advised to remain informed through official updates rather than rely on unverified reports or speculation.
The immediate priority is to monitor the evolving forecast, take official warnings seriously and ensure timely preparedness as the Bay of Bengal system moves closer to the Odisha coast.
Leave a Reply