The low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal on Monday intensified and is likely to turn into a cyclonic storm by October 23 which will cross between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West

It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression by Tuesday morning and into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday over east-central Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Dana is forecasted to hit between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm on Thursday night, bringing heavy

Once the depression intensifies then the system will be called Cyclone Dana, a name proposed by Qatar, in line with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) guidelines on naming cyclones.

The West Bengal government has implemented a preparedness plan involving seven Principal Secretaries and two control rooms to address the impact of Cyclone Dana, which is expected to affect nine districts.

Cyclone Dana is forming in the East-Central Bay of Bengal and is expected to strengthen before making landfall near Puri on October 24, with its name symbolizing 'a beautiful and precious pearl' in Arabic.

Cyclone Dana is likely to hit Odisha coast on October 24 In the wake of the heavy rainfall, the Odisha government urged tourists not to visit holy town Puri until the cyclone makes landfall.

Cyclone Dana is projected to make landfall on the coasts of north Odisha and Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island, bringing severe winds and heavy rainfall starting Wednesday. The situation requires attention as preparations are underway to ensure safety and manage potential flooding.

The Odisha government issued an advisory for tourists and urged them to leave Puri soon in view of Cyclone Dana.

IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that the system is expected to evolve into a powerful cyclonic storm, with significant to extremely heavy rainfall expected in parts of Odisha starting October 23.