A depression that formed over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified and is moving north-northwestward.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the system is likely to strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm and subsequently into a very severe cyclonic storm over the next few days.
According to IMD Bhubaneswar Regional Centre Director Dr Manorama Mohanty, the weather system is expected to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with significant impacts likely across Odisha. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in several districts of the state from November 18 onward.
The depression was located on Sunday morning over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. It is expected to intensify into a deep depression by Sunday evening, a cyclonic storm by November 16, and a severe cyclonic storm by November 17. By the morning of November 19, it is likely to become a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained wind speeds of 120-130 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph over the sea.
Rainfall Forecast
The IMD has stated that Odisha will remain largely dry until November 17. Rainfall activity will commence from November 18, affecting coastal Odisha along with several interior districts.
- November 18: Light to moderate rain or thundershowers likely at isolated places in coastal Odisha and districts including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kandhamala, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.
- Yellow Warning: Heavy rainfall likely in Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri districts.
From November 19 to November 21, thunderstorms accompanied by widespread rainfall are expected across Odisha.
- Orange Warning (Nov 19): Gajapati, Ganjam and Puri districts for very heavy rainfall and winds of 50-60 kmph.
- Yellow Warning: Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamala, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Khordha and Nayagada.
On November 20, Orange Warning remains in force for Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam. On November 21, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda and Baragada districts have been placed under Orange Warning.
Wind and Sea Conditions
The IMD has issued a marine warning, predicting:
- Winds of 40-50 kmph along the south Odisha coast from November 17.
- Wind speed increasing to 50-60 kmph between November 18 and 20.
- Over the central Bay of Bengal, wind speeds may rise to 100-130 kmph from November 18 onward.
- Sea conditions are expected to remain very rough to high along the Odisha coast between November 17 and 21.
Advisory for Fishermen
Fishermen have been advised to return to shore immediately and avoid venturing into the sea. Fishing activity has been prohibited in the southwest and central Bay of Bengal as well as along the south Odisha coast during the warning period.
Possible Impact
The Regional Meteorological Centre has warned of possible:
- Uprooting of trees
- Damage to temporary structures
- Disruption of power and communication lines
- Waterlogging in low-lying areas
- Road blockages
- Localised landslides in vulnerable hilly regions
Authorities have been advised to remain on alert as the cyclone system continues to intensify over the Bay of Bengal.
