Squally Winds Reaching Upto 70 Kmph Expected

Port Blair, May 20: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are highly vulnerable to hydro-meterological disasters as well as these islands has been classified as high risk Zone – IV. As per IMD the southwest monsoon is very likely to advance over South Andaman Sea and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal around 21^st May 2021 in association with the likely strengthening and deepening of South Westerly Winds over the region. Other atmospheric and oceanic conditions like conducive environment for convection, sea surface temperatures are also remaining favourable for persistent cloudiness over Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east central and southeast Bay of Bengal around 22^nd May.

Hence a Low-pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal around 22^nd May. It is very likely to intensify gradually into a cyclonic storm during the subsequent 72 hours. It is very likely to move north westwards and reach West Bengal – Odisha coasts around 26^th May 2021.

During this period squally wind speed reaching 40-50 kmpn gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over southeast Bay of Bengal and South Andaman Sea from 21^st May onwards in association with the likely advance of southwest monsoon. The wind speed will reach 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely to prevail over Andaman Sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal on 23^rd May and it is very likely to increase becoming 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph from 23^rd May and further becoming Gale wind during 24^th -26^th May over major parts of central Bay of Bengal and into North Bay of Bengal and along and off Odisha –West Bengal – Bangladesh coasts during 25^th -27^th May.

The sea conditions will be rough to very rough over southeast Bay of Bengal and South Andaman Sea from 21^st May onwards.

Fishermen are advised not to venture into southeast Bay of Bengal and South Andaman Sea from 21^st May onwards into central Bay of Bengal from 23^rd – 25^th May and into north Bay of Bengal along and off West Bengal – Odisha – Bangladesh coasts from 25^th – 27^th May and those who are out in the deep sea are advised to return to the coast by 23^rd May.