Cyclone path, intensity to be clear after low pressure forms: IMD DG

The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast regarding the formation of a cyclone over Bay of Bengal has forced the Odisha government to brace up for the emergency situation. As per IMD, a low pressure area is likely to form over southeast and adjoining eastcentral Bay of Bengal under the influence of yesterday’s cyclonic circulation in the next 48 hours.

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IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on Tuesday said that the system is likely to move west-northwest wards and concentrate into a depression by October 22 over central Bay of Bengal.

“There is every possibility that the system will further intensify into a cyclonic storm over westcentral Bay of Bengal subsequently,” said IMD DG.

The IMD DG further said so far any forecast on what will be the intensity of the cyclone and which coast it will cross has not been made.

“Only after the low pressure forms, we will be in a better position to forecast the areas which will be affected by the cyclone, its intensity and the areas which might get affected including rainfall,” Mohapatra added.

Meanwhile, the IMD has said that there is possibility of isolated rainfall activity over Odisha up to October 23. Under the influence of the anticipated system, squally weather with surface wind speed reaching 45 to 55 km gusting up to 65 kmph over deep sea areas of west central adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal is likely to prevail from October 22 morning.

“The fishermen are warned not to venture into deep sea areas of westcentral adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal from October 22 morning onwards,” the IMD said in its bulletin.

(Reported By Sibanand Rout)