Cyclone Midhili: Heavy Rain, High Winds Expected in Odisha, Bengal as Cyclone Approaches B’desh

Bhubaneswar: A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is poised to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned. Named Cyclone Midhili by the Maldives, the system is currently situated about 420 km east of Visakhapatnam, 270 km SSE of Paradip, 410 km south of Digha & 540 km SSW of Khepupara (Bangladesh) at 1130 hrs of the 16th Nov. Likely to intensify to cyclonic storm & cross Bangladesh coast between Mongla & Khepupara by early hours of 18 Nov.

DD over Westcentral BoB lay about 420 km east of Visakhapatnam, 270 km SSE of Paradip, 410 km south of Digha & 540 km SSW of Khepupara (Bangladesh) at 1130 hrs of the 16th Nov. Likely to intensify to CS & cross Bangladesh coast between Mongla & Khepupara by early hrs of 18 Nov. pic.twitter.com/m9q5o9DZ8Z

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 16, 2023

During landfall, wind speeds are anticipated to range from 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph.

Heavy rainfall and winds of 40-70 kmph are expected to batter coastal areas of Odisha, while light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells is predicted for coastal districts of West Bengal and north Odisha on Thursday and Friday. Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, south Assam, and east Meghalaya are also likely to experience varying degrees of rainfall from Thursday to Saturday.

Fishermen are strongly advised to avoid venturing into deep seas until Saturday due to rough sea conditions. The IMD’s numerical models indicate a north-northeastwards trajectory towards the Bangladesh coast, with a peak intensification to a marginal cyclone stage.

The IMD is closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates as the system develops. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and follow official advisories.