Odisha braces for potential cyclone as Bay of Bengal system intensifies
The India Meteorological Department predicts a cyclonic storm by November 16, prompting high alerts in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Andaman Islands.
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the evening of November 16, according to reports from Mint and Urban Acres. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated the system could further develop into a severe cyclonic storm over the sea by November 18.
Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said district collectors in northern, southern and coastal parts of the state have been alerted. Pujari noted that even if the storm does not make direct landfall, the state could face substantial rainfall of 12-20 cm in some districts and squally winds.
The IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 15 and 16. North Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to see isolated heavy rainfall on November 18 and 20, with very heavy rainfall predicted for November 19.
Gangetic West Bengal is likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall and gusty winds on November 19 and 20. In Odisha, the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, has forecast heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm at isolated places on November 18.
Fishermen have been advised to return to the coasts by November 15 and must not enter the Andaman Sea, Southeast Bay of Bengal, Southwest Bay of Bengal, or Central Bay of Bengal until the system passes.
In Northern India, a Western Disturbance is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall and snowfall to the Western Himalayan Region, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, on November 15.