IMD Issues Cyclone Alert for Odisha: Red and Orange Warnings in Place as Storm Approaches

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe weather warnings for several districts in Odisha as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a deep depression. The system is expected to further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 23, prompting the IMD to issue high-level alerts for the region.

According to the IMD, a red warning has been issued for the districts of Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur, where wind speeds are predicted to reach 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph on October 24 and 25. These areas are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with residents urged to take immediate precautions and stay informed through official updates.

In addition, an orange warning has been issued for Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Khurda, and Puri districts, where winds of 60-90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph, are forecasted during the same period.

A yellow warning has been issued for Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Boudh, Nayagarh, and Ganjam districts, where wind speeds are expected to range from 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph on October 24 and 25.

The IMD has further warned of squally conditions beginning on the morning of October 23 over the northern Bay of Bengal, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph. These winds are expected to intensify, reaching 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph between October 24 evening and October 25 morning along the Odisha and West Bengal coasts before gradually subsiding.

Residents in the affected regions have been advised to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions, secure loose objects, and avoid unnecessary travel. Local authorities are on high alert, with disaster response teams ready to assist in case of emergencies.

The IMD is closely monitoring the system’s development and will provide regular updates as the storm progresses.