IMD Warns of Cyclonic Storm: Heavy Rainfall Alert for Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Coasts
IMD warns of a low-pressure system intensifying into a cyclonic storm, bringing heavy rainfall to Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and neighboring states.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical alert as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm. According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, this evolving weather system is projected to bring heavy rainfall and squally winds to the eastern coastline, specifically targeting North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha.
The Path to Intensification
The weather system, which formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, is following a steady timeline of escalation. The IMD has provided a step-by-step projection of how the system will strengthen:
- October 24: Likely to concentrate into a depression.
- October 25: Expected to intensify into a deep depression.
- October 26: Projected to become a full-fledged cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Following this intensification, the storm is expected to move in a west-northwest direction, potentially reaching the coasts of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha by the early morning of October 28.
Rising Wind Speeds and Marine Hazards
The IMD has warned of a significant increase in wind speeds as the system consolidates. Currently, winds are clocked between 35 to 45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph. However, the intensity is expected to climb sharply:
- October 24: 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph.
- October 25: 55-65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph.
- October 26: 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.
While the exact point, time, and maximum intensity of the landfall are yet to be finalized, the IMD noted that sea conditions are already rough and are expected to become "very rough" starting tomorrow.
Rainfall Forecast: Which States are at Risk?
The impact of this system will extend far beyond the immediate coastlines, bringing heavy downpours to several interior states.
Direct Impact Zones (Andhra Pradesh and Odisha)
Rainfall is expected to begin along the Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh coasts on October 26. By October 27, the intensity will increase to heavy or very heavy rainfall. The peak impact is predicted for October 28, with extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 centimetres in 24 hours forecast for these regions.
Wider Regional Impact
The IMD highlighted that other states will also experience adverse weather:
- West Bengal: Isolated heavy rainfall on the 27th, increasing to heavy or very heavy rainfall at isolated places on the 28th.
- Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar: These states are expected to see isolated heavy rainfall activity on October 28 and 29.
Safety Advisories for Fishermen
"We have advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea, especially the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal till the 25th, and the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal from 26th-29th."
The IMD continues to monitor the system closely and has urged all operational agencies to stay alert as regular updates are provided.