Cyclone Sitrang: IMD-GFS model indicates landfall in north Andhra Pradesh on 25 October 2022

Bhubaneswar: Possible cyclone ‘Sitrang’ over the Bay of Bengal may make its landfall in north Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of October 25, the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) mentioned in its reported dated 17 October 2022 citing IMD-GFS model prediction.

As per the model, there are chances of formation of a depression over westcentral Bay of Bengal on 22nd October, a deep depression over westcentral Bay of Bengal on 23rd October and a very severe cyclonic storm over westcentral Bay of Bengal on 24th October, the report said.

The model is indicating that the system would cross north Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of 25th October to the north of Srikakulam near 18.5/84.0, it said.

Below is graphical representation of the forecast by the model based on 00 UTC of October 18 and valid for October 22, 23, 24 and 25.

However, the ECMWF model is indicating landfall over West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coast, the report added

A cyclonic circulation has already formed over south Andaman Sea and neighbourhood.

Under its influence, a low pressure area is likely to form over southeast and adjoining eastcentral Bay of Bengal around October 20, the IMD said.

The system is likely to move west ­northwestwards towards west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal and become more marked during the subsequent 48 hours, it added.