The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for the formation of Cyclone Dana, with a cyclonic circulation already established over the Andaman Sea. The system is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, potentially evolving into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23. Coastal regions of Odisha, West Bengal, and northern Andhra Pradesh are expected to be significantly impacted as the weather system progresses.
Cyclone Formation and Path
As of October 20, the cyclonic circulation was positioned over the northern Andaman Sea. The IMD anticipates that the low-pressure area will form over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas of the north Andaman Sea by October 21. Following this, the system is expected to move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a depression on October 22 and developing into a cyclonic storm the next day.
The projected trajectory suggests that Cyclone Dana will approach the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha and West Bengal coasts, by the morning of October 24. The IMD has warned of severe weather conditions, with heavy rainfall and strong winds likely to affect these areas.
Heavy Rainfall and Wind Alerts
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across coastal Odisha and West Bengal starting from October 23. Certain areas could experience rainfall amounts ranging from 20 cm to over 30 cm on October 24 and 25. The IMD’s Director-General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, indicated that the intensity of the rainfall might escalate as the storm approaches.
The weather agency has also issued wind warnings for various regions. The Andaman Sea is expected to experience squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, up until October 21. Wind speeds over the east-central Bay of Bengal could reach 55-65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph by October 22. As the cyclone intensifies, winds of 70-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph, are anticipated from October 23 evening to October 24 morning.
Moreover, the North Bay of Bengal will likely see wind speeds escalate to 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph, from the evening of October 24 to the morning of October 25.
Advisories for Fishermen and Coastal Communities
The IMD has advised fishermen in affected regions to avoid venturing into the sea and return to shore by October 21. Squally weather conditions and high wind speeds pose significant risks, especially in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
An orange alert has been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, warning of heavy rainfall on October 20. States such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and the Konkan region are also under a yellow alert for moderate to heavy rainfall.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, with updates being provided regularly to ensure public safety and preparedness for Cyclone Dana’s potential impact.
