Odisha is bracing for the impact of a third potential cyclone within three weeks, as a well-marked low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal moves toward further intensification. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to develop into a depression by Sunday, November 17, and progress into a cyclonic storm by November 16. The weather agency further noted that the system could evolve into a severe cyclonic storm over the sea by November 18.
Odisha’s Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed all district collectors to maintain extreme vigilance. While the exact landfall trajectory remains uncertain, officials anticipate significant rainfall, potentially reaching 12-20 cm in some districts, and squally winds. The state government remains on high alert following the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab, which resulted in severe flooding in southern districts last month.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also facing weather warnings. The IMD forecast isolated heavy rainfall for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through November 16, accompanied by squally winds of 40-50 kmph. North Coastal Andhra Pradesh expects isolated heavy rainfall on November 18 and 20, with intensity increasing to very heavy rainfall on November 19. Gangetic West Bengal is similarly expected to experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds on November 19 and 20.
Fishermen have received strict instructions to return to shore by November 15. The weather agency has advised against entering the Andaman Sea and various sectors of the Bay of Bengal until the cyclonic system dissipates.
Key facts
- The weather system is expected to reach cyclonic storm intensity on November 16.
- Winds in Andhra Pradesh could reach 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, on November 19.
- Heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm is expected in parts of Andhra, Odisha, and West Bengal on November 19 and 20.
- Squally weather with wind speeds of 45-55 kmph is expected along the south Odisha coast from November 17.
- Northern India faces a separate Western Disturbance, bringing light rain and snow to the Himalayan region and potential dense fog to Uttar Pradesh.
Why it matters
The impending weather system threatens to compound the distress caused by previous cyclones, specifically Cyclone Arnab, which recently triggered major floods in Odisha. The state's agriculture and infrastructure, still recovering from previous events, remain vulnerable to sustained heavy rainfall and high-speed winds.
Background
Northern India is currently experiencing a fresh Western Disturbance, which the IMD predicts will cause light to moderate precipitation across the Western Himalayan Region, including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, while the national capital region faces cloudy skies and potential light drizzle.
Source: Livemint
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