Mrunal Manmay Dash

Bhubaneswar: Cyclonic storm Yaas has turned into a 'Very Severe Cyclonic Storm' and is currently moving at a speed of about 15kmph in the sea, informed the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

In a special weather bulletin, the weather bureau said that the cyclone lays centered about 160 km east-southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 250 km south-southeast of Balasore (Odisha), 240 km south-southeast of Digha (West Bengal) and 230 km south of Sagar Islands (West Bengal)

Cyclone Yaas LIVE Updates: All you need to know

“It is very likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach near north Odisha coast close to Dhamra port by the early morning of Wednesday, May 26. It is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coast between Paradip and Sagar Islands close to north of Dhamra and south of Balasore, during noon of Wednesday, May 26 as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm,” said the Met department.

Speaking to OTV, the DG, IMD, Dr Mryutyunjay Mohapatra said, “The wind speed at Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore is currently measured at 60 – 90kmph. However, the speed of wind will increase at midnight in these districts up to 90-100kmph.”

“It will further increase to 155-165kmph tomorrow morning and continue till noon,” he added.

 

Speaking about the tide in sea, Mohapatra said, “Tidal waves up to the height of 4 metres will sweep the shores of Balasore and Bhadrak during landfall of the cyclone.”

“The districts of Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara will bear the brunt of Yaas till tomorrow noon, while Bhadrak and Balasore will be ravaged by Yaas till tomorrow evening,” said Mohapatra.

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