Cyclone Mocha: List of states on alert, IMD issues warning

A cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the southeastern Bay of Bengal today, May 6, 2023.

According to the Indian Metrological Department (IMD), a low pressure area is expected to develop over the same area under its influence on May 7. It is likely to solidify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Monday, May 8. Then it is likely to become a cyclonic storm and move almost north towards the center of the Bay of Bengal.

IMD recommendations

Travel is not advised to the southeast Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas starting May 7 and the nearby central Bay of Bengal starting May 9. Before May 7 for those over the southeastern Bay of Bengal and before May 9 for those over the central Bay of Bengal, they are advised to return to safer places.

From May 8 to May 12, maritime activities over the southeast and central Bay of Bengal, as well as offshore activities, tourism and shipping, will be regulated. All cyclone prone areas are kept prepared. District and line departments and NDRF, ODRAF and others are ready for any scenario.

States where the record was issued

West Bengal: Most places over Sikkim are likely to experience rain or thundershowers; a few places over the sub-Himalayan districts of West Bengal Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong; and one or two places over the districts of Alipurduar, Coochbehar, and North Dinajpur. Dry weather is most likely in the remaining sub-Himalayan districts of West Bengal. Overall, thundershowers and gusty winds (up to 30-40 kmph) are likely to occur at one or two places over sub-Himalayan West Bengal districts. Likewise, over Sikkim there is a chance of lightning and thundershowers affecting one or two areas.

Odisha: In light of the predicted cyclonic storm, the Odisha government on Friday asked collectors from 18 coastal and neighboring districts to be prepared for anything. Many districts of Odisha, including Cuttack, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Balasore, Kendrapada and Puri, have been issued yellow rain and thunderstorm warnings. Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu advised the districts to be prepared for any situation in the advisory bodies of the state government. In addition, people are advised to monitor the weather, seek shelter during thunderstorms and follow traffic instructions in urban areas.

Tamil Nadu: According to the IMD, the system that could develop over the Bay of Bengal this weekend was expected to turn into a cyclonic storm in Chennai and surrounding areas. The state has been alerted as more rain is expected in the city and suburbs.

Andhra Pradesh: The east coast may be affected between May 7 and 9 by Cyclone Mocha, which is currently located in the southeast Bay of Bengal and its surrounding area. Some isolated parts of the East Coast region will experience heavy to very heavy rain.