A severe weather system, the deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, is poised to make landfall tonight over the Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh coasts — triggering a high-level weather alert across West Bengal, particularly in the coastal districts. As of 8:30 am Thursday, the deep depression was moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 13 kmph. The system, currently packing maximum sustained surface winds of 55-65 kmph with gusts up to 75 kmph, is expected to cross the coast between Gopalpur and Paradip by the night of October 2. The deep depression's impact is expected to be felt severely across West Bengal. South 24 Parganas and adjoining coastal districts are on high alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall. The relentless downpour is likely to cause widespread waterlogging and localised flooding in low-lying areas, which may damage kutcha houses, authorities said. Districts across South Bengal, including North 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Howrah, Hooghly, Bankura, Purulia, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Murshidabad, and Nadia, are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated pockets facing the possibility of extremely heavy rain, up to 20 cm. Gale-force winds of 60-70 kmph, with gusts up to 80 kmph, are expected along the coastal areas tomorrow, posing a significant threat to unsecured structures and temporary dwellings. The combination of strong winds and heavy rain increases the likelihood of snapping electric poles and uprooting trees, which could lead to major disruptions in power supply and communication services. Significant rail and road transport disruption is also anticipated, with the state government advising the judicious regulation of traffic to minimize accidents. Fishermen have been strictly advised by the IMD not to venture into the sea along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha until conditions improve. Residents in all vulnerable districts, particularly those in low-lying areas, were urged to stay indoors, secure loose objects, and avoid contact with submerged electrical wires or water bodies until the system passes.
