Bhubaneswar/Visakhapatnam: A depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, according to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin. The system is moving west-northwestwards and is expected to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur during the night of September 23, remaining as a deep depression.
The weather system is bringing a heightened risk of heavy rainfall across coastal and southern Odisha. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places, with the possibility of extremely heavy rain in isolated areas. Along the south Odisha coast, winds may reach 30-35 knots, gusting up to 45 knots, while sea conditions are expected to remain very rough to high.
North Andhra Pradesh is also likely to receive widespread rain, including isolated heavy rainfall. Squally winds of 25-30 knots, gusting up to 40 knots, have been forecast along the north Andhra coast. Local caution signals remain hoisted at ports including Kalingapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram and Kakinada.
Odisha has taken precautionary measures, with schools and Anganwadi centres in affected areas closed until September 24. Authorities are monitoring the situation and preparing for possible rain-related disruptions.
