New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday predicted that the depression in Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify rapidly into a cyclonic storm in the next 12 hours and further into a severe cyclonic storm in subsequent 24 hours.
Pursuant to that, cyclonic storm 'Amphan' is likely to move north-north-westwards initially till May 17 (Sunday) and then re-curve north-northeastwards across northwest Bay of Bengal towards West Bengal coast during May 18-20, said Ananda Das, Scientist at Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre.
The weather department has warned of adverse weather in the Andaman Sea and along and off Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts for the next five-six days.
There will be light to moderate rainfall in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal. The Odisha government has asked 12 district collectors in the coastal region to remain prepared for the impeding situation.