Here’s IMD’s latest update on Cyclone Sitrang and its impact on Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Amid fear for possible cyclonic storm ‘Sitrang’ to form over Bay of Bengal and forecast by various weather models regarding its landfall area, here’s a huge sigh of relief for Odisha as it is not likely to hit its coast.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the possible cyclonic storm will skirt Odisha coast and is likely to move towards West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts. It may not hit Odisha coast but there will be impact.

“A low pressure area has formed over Andaman Sea today. It is likely to westnorthwards and concentrate into a Depression by October 22 over central Bay of Bengal. It is likely to intensify into Deep Depression on October 23 over the same region. It is very likely to intensify frther into a cyclonic storm around October 24. By October 23 morning, it is likely to move west and northwestwards. It is likely to recurve gradually and move towards north and form into a cyclonic storm on Oct 24. Later, it is likely to move north and northeastwards along Odisha coast towards West Bengal and Bangladesh. On Oct 25, it is likely to reach sea near West Bengal,” informed IMD DG Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra today.

Under its influence, rain and gusty wind is likely to occur in Odisha coast on October 24 and 25. The intensity of wind and rainfall is yet to be predicted by the IMD. Further updates regarding the cyclonic storm will be given tomorrow, he said.

“The cyclonic storm will not touch Odisha coast but it will have impact on coastal region of the state,” he emphasized.