Cyclone ‘Dana’ has intensified, transforming into a severe cyclone as of midnight Wednesday. The storm has moved closer to the coast in the past few hours. According to satellite imagery analysis by the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Dana is currently located 350 kilometers south of Sagar Island, 260 kilometers southeast of Odisha’s Paradip, and 290 kilometers southeast of Dhamra.
The Alipore Meteorological Department reports that ‘Dana’ has been moving north and northwest at a speed of 12 kilometers per hour over the last six hours. Meteorologists estimate that the cyclone could make landfall between Thursday night and Friday morning, striking between Odisha’s Kendrapara and Dhamra. At the time of landfall, Dana is expected to have wind speeds ranging from 100 to 110 kilometers per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 120 kilometers per hour.
Predicted Path and Wind Speeds
The Meteorological Department has also shared the cyclone’s possible path. By Thursday evening at around 5:30 PM, Cyclone Dana may reach its peak intensity, with wind speeds climbing to 125 kilometers per hour. By 11:30 PM, Dana will be dangerously close to the coast, maintaining wind speeds of 100 to 110 kilometers per hour. The storm is expected to continue its onslaught at these speeds until Friday morning before gradually weakening into a regular cyclone by Friday afternoon, with wind speeds decreasing to 70 to 80 kilometers per hour.
On Thursday morning, wind speeds along the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal may range from 60 to 70 kilometers per hour. However, conditions are predicted to deteriorate in the evening, with wind speeds potentially exceeding 100 kilometers per hour in northern Odisha and the coastal regions of West Bengal, including Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Bankura.
Rainfall and Weather Warnings
As Cyclone Dana approaches, Kolkata’s sky has been overcast since Thursday morning, with light rain beginning. The coastal districts of East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas are also experiencing light to moderate rainfall, with sporadic gusty winds. The Meteorological Department has issued severe weather warnings for Thursday and Friday for southern Bengal.
A red alert has been issued for East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas due to the expected heavy rainfall (more than 20 centimeters). Rainfall forecasts indicate that Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, and Jhargram may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 centimeters) over the next two days. Continuous heavy rainfall is expected throughout southern Bengal.
Residents of coastal areas must prepare for the impending cyclone. With severe weather conditions forecasted, it is crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.