A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has escalated into a severe cyclonic storm named Remal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced. The cyclone is set to make landfall on the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal early Sunday morning, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Remal will move northwards before turning east, intensifying over the east-central Bay of Bengal by Saturday morning. The storm is expected to strengthen further and move towards the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal, potentially making landfall between Sagar Island (India) and Khepupara (Bangladesh) by Saturday night.

Wind speeds are anticipated to reach 110-120 kilometres per hour (kmph) with gusts up to 135 kmph when it makes landfall. Extremely heavy rainfall is projected for the coastal districts of West Bengal and northern Odisha on May 26-27, with even more intense precipitation possible in parts of northeast India on May 27-28.

Bengal Braces for Heavy Rain

The storm is predicted to cause a surge of up to 1.5 metres in low-lying coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh during landfall. Fishermen have been advised to stay out of the north Bay of Bengal until the morning of May 27.

A red alert has been issued for the coastal districts of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 100 kmph on May 26 and 27. An orange alert has been declared for Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, and Purba Medinipur districts, predicting heavy rain with similar wind speeds.

Heavy rain is also expected in Purba Medinipur on May 25, coinciding with elections in the Tamluk and Kanti Lok Sabha constituencies. The rest of southern Bengal can expect winds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, along with heavy rain.

The IMD has warned of potential localized flooding and significant damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, roads, crops, and orchards in the affected areas. Residents are advised to remain indoors and evacuate from unsafe structures.

Preparations in Odisha

The Odisha government has alerted authorities in the coastal districts of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj to prepare for the storm's impact. These areas are expected to experience wind speeds of 40-50 kmph with heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Remal is the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this season. The name was provided by Oman, following the regional naming convention for cyclones in the north Indian Ocean.