Weather Update: Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Dana' Brings Heavy Rain to Odisha, West Bengal

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert, with severe cyclone “Dana” making landfall along the Odisha coast and impacting eastern and southern states with heavy rains, strong winds, and storm surges. Here’s a detailed information of the weather conditions across affected areas, forecasts, and warnings for the coming days.

Cyclone Dana’s Path and Impact

The severe cyclonic storm “Dana” struck the Odisha coast early on October 25th, between 1:30 AM and 3:30 AM IST, with wind speeds ranging from 100 to 110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph. The cyclone then weakened, moving inland with winds of 80-90 kmph, impacting areas northeast of Bhadrak and northwest of Dhamara. IMD reports indicate that the cyclone will continue weakening as it progresses northward, eventually becoming a deep depression.

Rainfall Forecast and Warnings

1. East India

The cyclone's impact on Odisha and neighboring regions is expected to bring:

• Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rainfall: Coastal areas of Odisha, especially Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak, could see extremely heavy rainfall (≥21 cm) on October 25.

• Moderate to Heavy Rainfall: Districts including Kendrapara, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, and Khorda may experience heavy downpours.

• Gangetic West Bengal: Intense rains with isolated extreme conditions are likely over East and West Medinipur.

2. South Peninsular India

South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Mahe, will see light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. Rainfall predictions include:

• Kerala & Mahe: Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely on October 25, continuing with less intensity until October 27.

• Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal: Isolated heavy rains anticipated on October 25 and 26.

3. Northeast, Central, West & Northwest India

In Northeast, Central, West, and Northwest India, no significant rainfall is expected throughout the week. Residents in these regions can anticipate dry weather conditions with minimal precipitation.

Strong Wind Alerts

IMD has issued wind warnings across the cyclone-affected areas:

• Bay of Bengal: Gale winds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph, expected over northwest Bay of Bengal, reducing by evening.

• Odisha-West Bengal Coast: Gale winds of 60-80 kmph will prevail over Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Bhadrak until the evening, followed by a gradual reduction.

• South Jharkhand: Squally winds reaching 40-50 kmph with gusts up to 60 kmph from October 25 morning until October 26 evening.

Storm Surge Alert

The IMD has warned of a storm surge, which could lead to coastal flood:

• Odisha: Low-lying areas of Bhadrak and Balasore districts may see water levels rise by up to 1 meter above astronomical tides during the next three hours.

• West Bengal: East Medinipur and South 24-Parganas are likely to experience water surges up to 1 meter and 0.5 meters, respectively.

Residents in the impacted areas are advised to take all necessary precautions, avoid coastal areas, and stay indoors. Authorities are closely monitoring the storm's trajectory and intensity as it continues to weaken. Stay tuned to latest weather update.