Bhubaneswar: Odisha is bracing for a spell of intense weather as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moves towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas across several parts of the state.
According to the latest IMD coastal bulletin, the system was located over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal and was moving west-northwestwards. It is expected to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur during the night of September 23 as a deep depression.
Heavy Rainfall Expected
The weather system is expected to bring widespread rain and thunderstorms to Odisha, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. South Odisha is likely to experience some of the strongest impacts as the system approaches the coast.
The IMD has warned that prolonged rainfall could increase the risk of waterlogging, localised flooding and disruption to road and transport services, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable areas.
Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are also expected to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms, with gusty winds possible during storms. The IMD’s local forecast has indicated heavy rainfall and gusty winds for the twin-city region over the coming days.
Strong Winds Along Odisha Coast
Strong winds are another major concern. The IMD coastal bulletin has forecast 30–35 knots of wind, gusting up to 45 knots, along parts of the south Odisha coast. Sea conditions are expected to remain very rough to high.
Along the north Odisha coast, easterly winds of around 20–25 knots, gusting up to 35 knots, have also been forecast. Ports in Odisha have been advised to keep Local Cautionary Signal No. III hoisted.
Several Districts on Alert
The weather system could particularly affect southern and coastal districts, with authorities maintaining heightened preparedness. Earlier preparations included putting district administrations in southern and coastal Odisha on high alert as the system approached.
The rainfall threat is expected to continue beyond the initial landfall period. IMD forecasts indicate that parts of Odisha could continue to experience significant rainfall through September 25, with further rain and thunderstorms possible in some areas afterward.
Is Odisha Facing a Cyclone?
Despite the widespread use of the term “cyclone warning”, the system is currently classified by the IMD as a deep depression, rather than a cyclonic storm. The official forecast calls for it to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast as a deep depression.
What Residents Should Do
People living in vulnerable areas are advised to closely monitor official weather and district administration updates. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rain and stay away from flooded roads, rivers and other water bodies.
Fishermen and small boats should remain particularly cautious because of the rough to very rough sea conditions along the affected coast.
With heavy rain and strong winds expected as the system approaches the coast, Odisha authorities remain on alert and are monitoring the situation closely.
