(Image source from: Chennaionline.com)

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic storm is currently developing in the Bay of Bengal and is expected to approach the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh on May 26 as a severe cyclonic storm. On May 23, the IMD noted a "Well-marked Low Pressure Area" moving towards northeast over the west central and adjoining south Bay of Bengal. According to the IMD, it is highly probable that the low-pressure area will turn into a depression over the central parts of the Bay of Bengal by May 24 morning. Afterward, it will move in a northeast direction, intensifying into a cyclonic storm over the east central Bay of Bengal by May 25 morning. Finally, it will move almost northwards and reach the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal by May 26 evening as a severe cyclonic storm. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued rainfall warnings for the coastal districts of West Bengal, the adjoining districts of North Odisha, and North East India.

The dates of May 26th and 27th have been forecasted to experience light to moderate rain in various areas, with heavy rainfall expected in specific coastal districts of West Bengal. The Meteorological Department has warned fishermen not to venture into the south Bay of Bengal until May 24th, the central Bay of Bengal until May 26th, and the North Bay of Bengal from May 24th to the morning of May 27th. Fishermen currently out at sea are advised to return to shore. The IMD has also issued warnings for strong winds and rough sea conditions. Gale wind speeds of 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, are expected in areas adjacent to the North Bay of Bengal on May 25th. These winds will increase to 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, over the North Bay of Bengal and 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph, over the central Bay of Bengal from the morning of May 26th for the following 24 hours.

Starting on May 25th, there is a chance of strong winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, along the coasts of Bangladesh, West Bengal, and North Odisha. The IMD predicts rough and very rough sea conditions in the central Bay of Bengal from the morning of May 25th, and high to very high sea conditions in the North Bay of Bengal from the evening of May 25th until the morning of May 27th. The Lok Sabha elections Phase 6 polls are also scheduled for May 25th, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) has advised district administrations to take necessary precautions at polling stations due to the approaching storm. Ariz Aftab, the state Chief Electoral Officer, has held a meeting with superintendents of police and state disaster management officials to evaluate the situation and advised them to take essential measures to prevent any unfavorable circumstances.