Cyclone Alert: Bay of Bengal Prepares for Storm by October 24

Bhubaneswar: A depression forming over the west-central Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 24, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As of 5:30 AM on October 22, the depression was centred about 600 km south of Paradip, Odisha, 760 km south of Digha, West Bengal, and 900 km SSW of Khepupara, Bangladesh.

Depression over WC Bay of Bengal lay centered at 0530 IST of 22nd Oct, about 600 km south of Paradip (Odisha), 760 km south of Digha (West Bengal), and 900 km SSW of Khepupara (Bangladesh). Likely to further intensify into a deep depression during next 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/AWDDaocnoa

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 22, 2023

Over the next 24 hours, the system is likely to intensify into a deep depression, shifting northwestward in the following 12 hours, and eventually curving north-northeastwards over the next three days towards the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal. Based on the forecasted track and intensity, it is anticipated to evolve into a cyclonic storm by October 24, to be named Hamoon by Iran.

This weather system will bring light to moderate rainfall to coastal Odisha on October 23 and more widespread rain on October 24-25. Additionally, squally winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, are expected on October 23. These winds will gradually intensify to gale force speeds of 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, from October 24 to 26 along the Odisha coast.

For the safety of fishermen, it’s advised to avoid venturing into the west-central Bay of Bengal until October 25, as well as the adjoining east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal until October 23. From October 24 to 26, it’s recommended to stay away from the North Bay of Bengal and the areas along and off the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh.

Given the expected rainfall in coastal districts of Odisha, farmers are encouraged to complete the harvest of matured paddy crops and vegetables before October 23.

Additionally, the IMD reports the presence of the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Tej over the west-central and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea, situated at 240 km ESE of Socotra (Yemen), 600 km SSE of Salalah (Oman), and 620 km SE of Al Ghaidah (Yemen) as of 5:30 AM. It is likely to intensify further into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm in the forenoon of October 22.