Third Cyclonic Storm Alert in Three Weeks

Bhubaneswar, November 15: Weather Updates: A cyclonic storm alert has been issued for Odisha as a low-pressure area develops in the Bay of Bengal. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), this system, active in the southeastern Bay of Bengal, could form into a cyclonic storm by Monday and potentially escalate into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday. However, the exact landfall location and direction of the storm remain unclear.

Odisha’s Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the state government is fully prepared to tackle the potential threat. It is noteworthy that in the past three weeks, two severe cyclones, named ‘Arnab’ and ‘Murasu’, have already impacted Odisha, both making landfall on the coast of neighboring Andhra Pradesh.

Pujari mentioned that even if this storm does not make landfall on the Odisha coast, there is a strong possibility of heavy rainfall in the state. In light of this, all collectors in the southern, northern, and coastal districts have been put on alert. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P. Patil has also instructed officials in districts under ‘Orange’ and ‘Yellow’ alerts to exercise heightened vigilance.

Expected Impact on Surrounding States

From the morning of November 17, strong winds of 45 to 65 km/h are expected to hit the southern Odisha coast. Heavy rainfall is forecasted in several areas on Wednesday, with very heavy rainfall anticipated in some districts on Thursday and Friday. In Andhra Pradesh, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, accompanied by winds of 50-60 km/h. Additionally, West Bengal has also been warned of heavy rainfall and lightning on Thursday.

Coast Guard on High Alert

In response to the potential cyclone, the Indian Coast Guard has placed its ships, aircraft, and disaster relief teams on high alert along the entire eastern coast, including Tamil Nadu. Continuous monitoring of the storm is being conducted through radar stations.