Low-pressure system forms over Bay of Bengal, cyclone likely by October 23

Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: A low-pressure area formed early Monday (5:30 AM IST) over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the northern Andaman Sea, influenced by an upper air cyclonic circulation from the previous day.

The system is expected to move west-northwest and develop into a depression by the morning of October 22, eventually intensifying into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal. Forecasts indicate that it will further move towards the northwest and approach the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal by the morning of October 24.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General, Mritunjaya Mohapatra, highlighted that October 24 and 25 will be critical, with wind speeds likely to reach 100 to 120 km/h. He cautioned that the storm could develop into a severe cyclonic storm and cause high tides along the coast.

As a result of the impending storm, rainfall is expected to begin in Odisha on October 23. A yellow warning has been issued for heavy rainfall in 10 districts on October 23 and 24. IMD has also placed Ganjam, Khurda, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur districts under a red warning, anticipating very heavy rainfall. Additionally, an orange warning has been issued for five districts, with a yellow warning in place for 12 others.