Bhubaneswar, October 20: A cyclonic storm named Dana is likely to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal by October 23 and could bring wind speeds of 100-120 km/h along Odisha’s coast by October 24, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, IMD Director General, has predicted that the storm could bring wind speeds of 100-120 km/h along Odisha’s coast by October 24.
Odisha is expected to experience significant rainfall starting October 23, with heavy downpours predicted for October 24 and 25. Dr. Mohapatra explained that a cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea has been moving northwest. “A low-pressure area is expected to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal by Sunday evening or Monday morning,” he noted.
The system is projected to intensify into a depression by October 22 and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm on October 23. It is forecasted to move toward the northwest, reaching the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal by the morning of October 24.
The IMD has cautioned that sea conditions will become rough. Winds may initially reach 45 km per hour (km/h) by October 21, increasing to 50 km/h with gusts of up to 60 km/h by that evening. Once the system intensifies on October 23, wind speeds could climb to 75 km/h, with gusts up to 85 km/h over the central Bay of Bengal. By October 24, as it nears the coast, winds may peak at 120 km/h.
“Coastal Odisha will face winds of 40-50 km/h, increasing to 120 km/h by October 24 evening,” warned Dr. Mohapatra. The state will experience heavy rainfall, especially on October 24 and 25, with some regions recording up to 30 cm of rain.
In response, the Odisha government has issued advisories, urging fishermen not to venture into the Andaman Sea until October 21 and to avoid the Bay of Bengal until October 25. Those at sea are advised to return by October 21 to avoid dangerous conditions.
