Cyclone Amphan: Depression to turn into cyclonic storm by evening; rain likely in these states

The weather agency has also forecast “adverse weather” along and off Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal coasts for the next five-six days.

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“It is very likely to move northwestwards initially till May 17 and then re-curve north-northeastwards towards northern Bay of Bengal between May 18-20,” the department said in its latest bulletin. (Source: IMD)

Here is how the cyclone is likely to affect the following states:

Odisha

As many as 12 coastal districts, particularly the northern districts of Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore, have been put on alert with the state government directing collectors to arrange for alternate shelter homes for those residing in the region.

The coastal area is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall at several places and heavy downpour in a few isolation regions from Monday evening.

The state’s Special Relief Commissioner P K Jena said he reviewed the situation and its possible impact with Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy. The NDRF, ODRAF and fire service personnel have also been kept on standby and to clear roads in case they get blocked.

Here is a look at the movement of the cyclonic disturbance in the Bay of Bengal. (Source: IMD)

Jena also assured that the situation was under control keeping in mind Odisha’s vast experience in dealing with such crisis in the past.

“We are well prepared to deal with any situation. However, the district administrations will have the double task to manage Covid-19 situation along with the possible cyclone,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Chief Secretary Tripathy told collectors, “I request you to prepare for the worst irrespective of what the IMD predicts. I know you are fighting the pandemic… Now we require people for the possible cyclone situation. Prepare for the worst… prepare for the ultimate eventuality.”

Though the weather department is yet to make an exact forecast about the landfall of the cyclone, the administration has braced for the impending situation and accordingly, focused on the northern coastal districts of Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore, Jena said.

Squally wind speed reaching 45 to 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely along and off Odisha coast from May 19, the IMD said. (Source: IMD)

West Bengal

The coastal districts of Gangetic West Bengal are also likely to experience light to moderate rainfall across many areas from May 19. Heavy to very heavy downpour is likely to occur at isolated places from May 20.

Fishermen in the concerned areas have been advised from venturing into the sea between May 18 and 20.

Andhra Pradesh

The weather agency has also forecast “adverse weather” conditions for Andhra Pradesh.

Moderate to heavy rains associated with winds speeding 40-50 kmph during the movement of the storm over the sea is expected in the coasted areas of the state, the weather body said.

Next 48 hrs favourable for Southwest Monsoon; sporadic rain over South India

Scattered to widespread rain/thundershowers accompanied with lightning and gusty winds is expected over south peninsular India during the next 4-5 days along with isolated heavy rainfall activity over Kerala during the next 5 days, over south interior Karnataka from May 15-17 and over Coastal Karnataka and Lakshadweep on May 15 and 16.

Northeastern states are likely to experience scattered to widespread rain over the next 5 days. From May 18, onwards, scattered rain/thundershowers are likely over Odisha Gangetic West Bengal.