Rains likely in some parts of Odisha in next 24 hrs

Rain or thundershower accompanied by gusty surface wind is likely to lash some areas of Odisha in next 24 hours due to very severe cyclonic storm 'VARDAH' over Bay of Bengal even as fishermen were asked not to venture into sea.
The very severe cyclonic storm is centered over west central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, about 685 km South of Gopalpur, the meteorological centre here said today.
The system is likely to move west-south-westwards and weaken gradually while moving towards north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coast.
It is very likely to cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast, close to Chennai as a cyclonic storm by tomorrow afternoon, it said.

Under its impact, rain or thundershower is likely to occur at a few places over south Odisha and at one or two places over north Odisha during next 24 hours, it said.
In view of the system, Distant Warning Signal Number Two (DW-II) was hoisted at Paradip and Gopalpur Ports.

Strong and gusty surface wind from North-Easterly direction with speed reaching 45 to 55 KMPH and gusting to 65 KMPH would prevail along and off South Odisha Coast and from Northeasterly direction with speed reaching 30 to 35 KMPH gusting to 45 KMPH along & off North Odisha coast in next 48 hours.

Sea condition would be rough to very rough along and off south Odisha coast and moderate to rough along and off north Odisha Coast, the MeT office said adding fishermen are advised not to venture into sea in South Odisha Coast.
They need to be cautious while venturing into sea in North Odisha Coast, the Met office said.