Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: A low-pressure area has developed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjacent northern Andaman Sea as of early Monday morning as a result of which Cyclone 'Dana' is expected to make landfall along Odisha's coast on October 24. Cyclone Dana latest track forecast: IMD model predicts severe cyclonic storm, landfall between Gopalpur and Puri

Forecasts indicate that the cyclone could bring winds reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h. Heavy rainfall is predicted to begin on October 23, particularly affecting coastal districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Ganjam, and Gajapati, with expected rainfall totals ranging from 70 to 110 mm.

Severe rainfall is expected on October 24, especially in Puri, Khordha, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur. These districts have been issued a red warning, while Kendrapara, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati are under an orange warning with potential rainfall between 70 to 200 mm.

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Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is also expected in districts such as Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea till October 26 due to safety concerns.

The system is expected to move northwestward and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by the morning of October 24, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to both states.

As a result, sea conditions are expected to remain rough. Wind speeds along the Odisha coast could reach 40-50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h starting from the evening of October 23. By the night of October 24, wind speeds may increase to between 100-120 km/h.

Also Read: Cyclone Dana: Odisha govt in action mode

The very heavy rainfall is predictable on October 24 and 25 across the entire state.

Residents are urged to prepare for the cyclone and pay attention to official warnings.