Cyclone Dana: IMD Warns Of Heavy Rains In Odisha, West Bengal; Urges Precautions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding the formation of Cyclone Dana over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to significantly affect the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal by October 23.

An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea is forecasted to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours.

According to a special weather bulletin from the IMD, this system is likely to move west-northwest, intensifying into a depression by the morning of October 22, before evolving into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Dana: Predicted Movement and Rainfall Intensity

Once formed, Cyclone Dana is anticipated to move northwest, reaching the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha and West Bengal coasts by the morning of October 24. The IMD has predicted that these coastal regions will experience heavy rainfall between October 23 and 25.

IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated, "Some places in the coastal region may experience 20 cm rainfall on October 24-25. The intensity of the spell may also increase to 20 to 30 cm, and above 30 cm in some areas," during an interview with a local TV channel. Fishermen have been advised to return to shore by October 21 due to the potential impact of the storm.

The IMD has also issued warnings about wind conditions, forecasting squally winds of 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, to begin on the evening of October 23 along the Odisha-West Bengal coast.

These wind speeds are expected to rise to 100-110 km/h, with gusts up to 120 km/h, between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25. Sea conditions are likely to be rough during this period, the IMD cautioned.

In addition to the heavy rainfall expected in Odisha and West Bengal, the IMD has indicated that light to moderate rain is likely in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

An orange alert has been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to the prediction of heavy rain on October 20, while other states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, are under yellow alerts for rain.

Wider Weather Implications of Cyclone Dana

The weather system, which originated from an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the central Andaman Sea, was noted by the IMD on October 20.

The IMD stated, "The cyclonic circulation over the central Andaman Sea lay over the north Andaman Sea and neighbourhood at 0300 UTC today, October 20. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours."

The IMD also forecasted squally weather, with wind speeds of 35-45 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h, over the Andaman Sea until October 21. The east-central Bay of Bengal may experience winds of 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, on October 21, which are expected to strengthen to 55-65 km/h, gusting to 75 km/h, by the evening of October 22.

Squally winds with speeds of 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, are expected to start from the evening of October 23 along the Odisha-West Bengal coast.

These winds are predicted to intensify significantly, reaching 100-110 km/h, with gusts of up to 120 km/h, between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25. The IMD warned that sea conditions during this period would likely be rough, posing risks to maritime activities.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra underscored the seriousness of the situation, saying, "Some places in the coastal region may experience 20 cm rainfall on October 24-25. The intensity of the spell may also increase to 20 to 30 cm, and above 30 cm in some areas," indicating a heightened risk of flooding and other weather-related hazards.

The IMD also issued specific wind warnings for various regions:

Andaman Sea: Squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h, is expected until October 21.

East-central Bay of Bengal: Squally winds of 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, are predicted on October 21, increasing to 55-65 km/h, gusting to 75 km/h by the evening of October 22. Winds could reach 70-90 km/h, gusting to 100 km/h, from the evening of October 23 until the morning of October 24.

North Bay of Bengal: Winds are expected to begin at 40-50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, from the morning of October 23, eventually escalating to gale-force winds of 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h, from the evening of 24 October to the morning of 25 October.

Given the forecasted conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen to return to shore by October 21.

As Cyclone Dana develops, residents in the affected regions are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed with ongoing weather updates to ensure safety during this potentially severe storm.