Cyclone Jawad: Storm to Intensify in Next 12 hours; Odisha & Andhra Pradesh on Alert

Indian Meteorological Department said the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression on Friday, and is likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours. The cyclone is likely to cross the coasts of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on Saturday (December 4) morning. 

In its latest bulletin, the IMD said the weather system was moving at a speed of 32 KMPH and lay 580 km south –southeast of Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 670 km South – south east of Gopalpur in Odisha, and 760 km south – Southeast of Paradip at 5.30 am on Friday. 

The cyclone, if formed will be called Jawad, as named by Saudi Arabia. This will be the 3^rd cyclone towards the east coast this year after Yaas in May & Gulab in September. 

Light & moderate rain is expected for today at many places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over south coastal Odisha, and heavy rainfall at isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. An Orange alert has been issued in Andhra Pradesh & Odisha.  

The Odisha Government has issued guidelines to prevent the adverse effects arising from cyclone Jawad.  

"The state government is well prepared to deal the emerging situation 14 coastal districts have been put on alert and asked to take all necessary steps in view of the impending cyclonic storm," said Pradeep Kumar Jena, Special Relief Commissioner. 

Fishing activities have been prohibited within the territorial waters along the entire coastline of Odisha from December 3 to December 5 for safeguarding the life & assets of fishermen due to impeding cyclone Jawad. 

Due to weather system, a yellow alert has been issued in Tamil Nadu & Kerala as well, where some parts could receive heavy rains.