Bhubaneswar: The deep depression over south-east Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm –Phethai.
It is set to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and is likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Kakinada December 17 afternoon.
Under its impact, 13 districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Some parts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts are predicted to receive heavy rainfall December 16.
Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Bargarh, Bolangir, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur are the 11 districts that are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall December 17.
The Met centre has also warned of the sea remaining turbulent due to the impact of the storm. It has also warned of gale wind reaching in the range of 100 to 120 kmph. The fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till December 18.
In view of the cyclone, danger signs with signal number-1 have been hoisted at Paradip, Goplapur, Chandbali and Puri.
Though there is no fear of gale wind to Odisha, the regional centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rain to lash some parts of the state.
The special relief commissioner office released a missive directing all the collectors to remain alert.
The farmers have also been advised to bring their harvested paddy to a safer place. The Collectors have been directed to make the farmers aware as to how they can protect their harvested and standing paddy in the croplands.
The Collectors have also been directed to take steps so that the paddy stocked at the mandis does not get drenched.
PNN
