Low pressure over Bay of Bengal likely to turn into cyclonic storm, landfall expected on Oct. 28

The system is expected to reach the coast on the morning of October 28. The likely landfall zone lies somewhere between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. This matters because small changes in the track could shift the most dangerous weather toward either state.

The IMD said the system would move west-northwestward across the Bay of Bengal. It was expected to become a depression on October 24, a deep depression on October 25, and a cyclonic storm by October 26 morning. The system would then continue strengthening near the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Odisha has activated preparations across the state, with special attention to Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati. The article also identifies many other districts for rainfall alerts. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha authorities will need to follow later forecasts closely because the exact landfall point remains uncertain.

A low-pressure area is a region where air pressure is lower than nearby areas. Air tends to move toward it, helping clouds and rain gather. If the system becomes more organized and its winds strengthen, meteorologists classify it as a depression, then a deep depression, and eventually a cyclonic storm.

The IMD expected this system to become a depression during October 24. It forecast a deep depression on October 25 and a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by October 26 morning. These labels describe increasing intensity and organization, not separate storms.

The system was also expected to keep intensifying while moving west-northwestward. The article does not provide wind-speed thresholds for each stage. It does show the forecast progression, which helps authorities decide when to issue warnings and begin protective action.

The article does not give a precise size for the storm’s wind or rainfall field. It does identify a broad risk zone: the coast between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha, plus numerous Odisha districts that may receive heavy or widespread rain.

Odisha’s minister said all 30 districts had been asked to remain alert. Collectors in 16 coastal and southern districts were advised to take precautionary measures. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was especially likely in Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati.

Rainfall alerts also covered Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi. This shows that impacts could reach well beyond the immediate landfall area. The eventual footprint will depend on the storm’s final track and intensity.

A strengthening cyclone can produce several connected hazards. Heavy rain may overwhelm drainage, trigger flooding and disrupt roads, homes and public services. Strong winds can damage temporary structures, trees, power lines and buildings. The article specifically forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati.

The sea is another immediate concern. Large trawlers and vessels were alerted, and fishermen in the deep sea were told to return to the coast immediately. Those instructions indicate that worsening weather and sea conditions could threaten boats and crews before landfall.

The article does not provide expected wind speeds, storm surge heights or flood levels, so the exact damage cannot yet be measured. Officials are preparing for adverse weather, while later IMD updates should clarify the storm’s track, strength and most exposed locations.

The IMD provides the central forecast and tracks the system’s expected strengthening, movement and landfall. Its timeline guided preparations: depression on October 24, deep depression on October 25, and cyclonic storm by October 26. These updates help officials act before conditions worsen.

District Collectors have authority to close schools and colleges in their jurisdictions. Odisha’s National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, and Fire and Emergency Services personnel have been kept on standby. Their role is to support rescue, emergency response and protection of communities when dangerous weather arrives.

Fishermen and vessel owners have a direct safety role. Large trawlers and vessels were alerted, while fishermen already in the deep sea were advised to return immediately. The state government is coordinating departments and has set a goal of zero casualties. Continued alerts will determine further local action.

Evacuation is only one part of cyclone preparation. Authorities can reduce exposure by closing schools and colleges, cancelling official leave, warning residents, and securing buildings. They can also remove objects that may become dangerous in strong winds. These steps protect people who might otherwise be caught outside or near unstable structures.

In Cuttack, puja committees were asked to immediately remove decorative bamboo structures erected for Durga Puja. District Collectors were authorised to close schools and colleges. The government also cancelled employee leave in Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Khurda, helping keep officials available for emergency work.

Marine safety is equally important. Owners of large trawlers and vessels were alerted, and deep-sea fishermen were told to return to shore. These actions reduce the number of people and fragile assets exposed to wind, rain and dangerous seas before the storm approaches.

The article reports the storm’s forecast development but does not explain why tropical cyclones strengthen. In general, warm ocean water acts as an energy source. It warms moist air near the surface, causing that air to rise. Lower pressure then draws in more air from around the system.

As the moist air rises, it cools and water vapour condenses into clouds and rain. Condensation releases heat into the surrounding atmosphere. That extra heat can make the air rise more strongly, lowering pressure further and drawing in more moist air. This feedback can organize and intensify the circulation.

The process needs suitable conditions to continue, and the article gives no ocean-temperature or wind measurements. It does report a forecast sequence from low-pressure area to depression, deep depression and cyclonic storm. That progression shows expected strengthening, even though the physical details are not included.