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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding the formation of a cyclonic storm named 'Remal' in the Bay of Bengal.
The low-pressure system currently over the west central and adjoining South Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of May 25 and is likely to approach the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal by the evening of May 26 as a severe cyclonic storm.
If the cyclone forms, it will be the first in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season.
According to the IMD forecast, the depression in the Bay of Bengal is likely to concentrate into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall between Sagar island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh around May 26 midnight.
The cyclonic system, now at 380 km south of West Bengal's Canning, is set to bring heavy rainfall in coastal areas.
The IMD has warned that sea conditions will be rough to very rough over the North Bay of Bengal from May 24 evening and will become high over the central Bay of Bengal from the morning of May 25 and high to very high over the North Bay of Bengal from the evening of May 25 until the morning of May 27.
Rough sea conditions are also expected along Odisha coasts from May 25 evening.
Due to the possibility of cyclone Remal, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the South Bay of Bengal until May 24, the Central Bay of Bengal until May 26, and the North Bay of Bengal starting on May 24 and continuing until the morning of May 27.
Those currently at sea have also been asked to return to land.
The coastal districts of West Bengal are poised to see heavy to very heavy rain on May 26 and 27.
Kolkata, South and North 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur and Howrah districts in Bengal will also see heavy to very heavy rain on May 26 and 27, the IMD has said.
South 24 Parganas area has been warned of experiencing gusty wind reaching 90 to 100 kmph in, 80 to 90 kmph in Purba Medinipur, while in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas and Howrah it will reach 60 to 70 kmph.
Odisha will experience light to moderate rain and thundershowers in north and south parts of the state from May 25, owing to the cyclone.
Rainfall predictions have been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara on May 26 and Balasore, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj on May 27.
On May 26, isolated places in Balasore have been issued a yellow warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm).
Heavy rainfall (7 to 11cm) may also occur at isolated places in Bhadrak and Kendrapada.
Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Bhadrak districts will receive heavy rainfall (7 to 11cm) at isolated places on May 27.
Officials have reported that the Odisha government has instructed authorities in four districts to initiate preparatory measures due to the likelihood of a depression in the Bay of Bengal intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm.
In its May 24 bulletin, the IMD said that major damage may be expected to thatched houses, huts.
Breaking of tree branches, uprooting of trees may occur.
Major damage to banana and papaya trees may prompt damage to power and communication lines.
Additionally, damage to paddy crops, horticultural crops and orchards is expected along with disruption of traffic due to water logging and squally winds.