Cyclone Yaas likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, says IMD

Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26, the (IMD) said today.

A low-pressure area formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining north Andaman Sea on Saturday.

Wind speed is expected to reach 90-100 km per hour gusting to 110 kmph from May 26 forenoon along and off West Bengal, north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts, said Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Director GK Das.

“The low-pressure area is very likely to concentrate into a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal by tomorrow, the 23rd May morning. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 24th May and further into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours,” the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from May 23 till further information.