Bhubaneswar, Sept 21: A well-marked low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression on Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
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The system is expected to intensify further into a deep depression within the subsequent 24 hours. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and reach the north Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast by the morning of September 23.
Under its influence, several parts of Odisha are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next five days. Rainfall activity is likely to begin in coastal Odisha from Monday and intensify from Tuesday.
The IMD has issued an Orange Warning for some areas for Monday and Tuesday, while a Red Warning has been issued for September 23 and 24 due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall.
Weather scientist Biswajit Sahu said the impact of the system is likely to be more pronounced over southern and coastal Odisha. Koraput and Malkangiri may receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, while Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada could experience heavy rain accompanied by strong winds.
The weather system may also trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Fishermen Advised Against Venturing Into Sea
With rough sea conditions expected due to the low-pressure system, the Fisheries Department has advised fishermen in the Udaypur-Kirtania area not to venture into the sea until September 23.
Chandaneswar Fisheries Officer Ananta Jena said fishermen are being alerted through public-address systems about the prevailing weather conditions. They have also been advised to move fishing boats and nets to safe locations.
Also Read: Ganjam administration steps up preparedness ahead of heavy rain forecast
Authorities have warned that action may be taken against fishermen who venture into the sea despite the advisory.
The authorities have urged residents, particularly those in vulnerable coastal, hilly and flood-prone areas, to remain alert as the weather system intensifies.
