Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: The cyclone threat over Odisha has eased as Cyclone Montha weakened and the red warning was withdrawn. However, several parts of the state are expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhubaneswar.
RMC Director Manorama Mohanty informed that Montha is currently moving at a speed of 15 km per hour in a north-northwest direction. The system, which had earlier intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, has now weakened into a cyclonic storm. It is likely to further weaken into a deep depression within the next three hours and into a depression six hours later.
“There will be no major impact over Odisha,” Mohanty stated.
Despite the weakening trend, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts.
Wind speeds in Malkangiri and Koraput districts are expected to range between 45–55 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 65 kmph. In Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Gajapati, and Rayagada, winds may blow at 35–45 kmph, with gusts up to 55 kmph.
The landfall process reportedly continued between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. last night. The highest rainfall was recorded in Mayurbhanj, followed by Balasore (93.8 mm), Chandbali (74.4 mm), and Khordha (98 mm).
The Met Department has issued an alert for thunderstorms and lightning in most districts today. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, while rain is also likely to continue in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
