cyclonic storm

1. IMD warns of severe cyclonic storm for West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts.
2. Low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal moving northeast.
3. Alert issued for potential cyclone development by May 24.

Weather Update, May 24: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for a severe cyclonic storm expected to affect the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh soon.

A well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal is moving northeastwards. By May 24 morning, it is likely to develop into a depression, further intensifying into a cyclonic storm by May 25.

The storm is projected to reach the Bangladesh and West Bengal coasts by May 26 evening as a severe cyclonic storm.

Here are the forecasted weather conditions and warnings:

Rainfall:

  • May 25: Heavy rain (7-11 cm) expected in North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts.
  • May 26: Anticipated heavy to very heavy rain (7-20 cm) in North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, and East Midnapore, with heavy rain (7-11 cm) likely in Hooghly, Nadia, West Midnapore, and East Bardhaman.
  • May 27: Similar heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in North and South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, and East Midnapore, with heavy rain in other districts.
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Wind:

  • May 25: Thunderstorms with gusty winds (40-50 kmph) forecasted over North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore, with winds (30-40 kmph) over other districts. Wind speeds expected to increase significantly on May 26-27.

Marine Conditions:

  • May 23-24: Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-60 kmph in the central and south Bay of Bengal. Gale winds of 60-120 kmph anticipated over the north Bay of Bengal from May 25 morning.
  • May 25 Evening: Squally winds along and off the coasts of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and North Odisha, increasing to 100-120 kmph.

Sea Conditions:

  • Rough to very rough conditions are expected in the central and south Bay of Bengal from May 23, escalating to high to very high in the north Bay of Bengal from May 25.

Fishermen Advisory:

  • Fishermen were advised against venturing into the south Bay of Bengal until May 24, central Bay of Bengal until May 26, and north Bay of Bengal from May 24 to May 27 morning. Those at sea urged to return to shore immediately.

Impact and Safety Measures:

  • Potential damage to unsecured structures.
  • Waterlogging in low-lying areas.
  • Disruption of traffic in urban areas.
  • Damage to crops and reduced visibility.

Residents are advised to seek shelter in safe places, regulate traffic movement, avoid taking shelter under trees or electric poles, and stay clear of water bodies.