Bhubaneswar: The depression over east-central Bay of Bengal, which had intensified into a deep Depression late last night, is very likely to convert into a cyclonic storm by today (May 24).
“The depression had intensified into a deep depression at 11.30 pm on Sunday. It is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm between 8.30 am and 11.30 am today. It is getting delayed to convert into a cyclone because of its slow movement. It is currently moving at a speed of 5-6 kmph,” Rajendra Kumar Jenamani, weather expert told OTV over phone.
The IMD, in its latest tweet posted early this morning, had stated "Depression over east central Bay of Bengal intensified into a Deep Depression and about 600 km north-northwest of Port Blair. To intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 24th May morning and further into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during the subsequent 24 hours."
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In its earlier forecast, the IMD had informed that the phenomenon is likely to reach coast by May 26 morning and make landfall by the evening on same day between Paradip and Sagardwip in a form of very severe cyclonic storm, IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra had said on Sunday.
It would have a sustained wind speed of 155 to 165 kmph during the landfall, he had added.
Very to very heavy rainfall has been predicted for some north and coastal districts. Extremely heavy rainfall of around 20 mm is also likely to occur at some places in the districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj. Adjoining districts like Cuttack, Jajpur are also likely to experience heavy downpour.
Strong wind and rainfall activities will continue six hours before and after the landfall. Districts of south, central and east central Odisha including Puri and Khordha may also get rainfall and wind with speed up to 50 to 60 kmph during the peak of the cyclone, he had informed on Sunday.