Bhubaneawar October 18: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted possibility of a cyclone in west-central Bay of Bengal around Diwali.
As per the IMD bulletin, a low pressure is likely to form over south east and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal during next 48 hours. It is likely to move WNW and concentrate into a depression by October 22 morning over Central BoB. It is very likely to intensify further into a cyclone over westcentral BoB subsequently.
Speaking to reporters, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that cyclonic circulation formed over south Andaman Sea and neighbourhood on Monday now lay over north Andaman Sea and neighbourhood.
“Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over southeast and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal during next 48 hours (October 19 or 20). The system is likely to move west-north westwards and concentrate into a depression by October 22 morning over central Bay of Bengal,” informed the IMD DG.
Mohapatra said, “It is very likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm over west-central Bay of Bengal subsequently. The prevailing weather system is likely to take the shape of a cyclone around October 23 or 24.”
“However, we have not predicted the intensity and possible area of landfall of the impending cyclone as it is yet to take the shape of a low pressure area,” added Mohapatra.
Under the influence of above mentioned anticipated system squally weather with surface wind speed reaching 45 to 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph over deep sea areas of westcentral adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal from October 22 morning, said the IMD bulletin.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into deep sea areas of westcentral adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal from October 22 morning onwards till further notice.
Meanwhile, the State Government has asked Collectors and senior officials of coastal districts not to leave headquarters for one week. SRC in-charge Satyabrata Sahu chaired a preliminary review meeting this afternoon.
