Bhubaneswar: A deep depression located in the Bay of Bengal is predicted to make landfall on the coasts of South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh tonight, unleashing intense rainfall and strong winds, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather system has been moving westward at a speed of 5 kmph and is currently positioned approximately 50 km southeast of Kalingapatnam, 140 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 150 km south of Gopalpur, and 240 km south-southwest of Puri (Odisha).

The IMD forecasts that it will continue its west-northwest trajectory and cross the coasts of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha between Vishakhapatnam and Gopalpur, near Kalingapatnam, by the night of September 23.

As a result, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by high-velocity winds, is expected to impact various regions of Odisha, particularly in the southern, western, and coastal districts over the next four days. The IMD has issued red, orange, and yellow alerts for several districts until the morning of September 28.

For the upcoming 24 hours, a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall has been declared for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri. Thunderstorms with lightning and wind gusts reaching 50-60 kmph may occur in these areas.

Additionally, an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall is in effect for Baragada, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamala, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada.

Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also predicted in various places across the aforementioned districts.

A yellow warning has been issued for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Kataka, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj.

On September 24-25, Nabarangpur will face a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms and gusty winds expected.

An orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain is also in place for Baragada, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, and Malkangiri, where similar storm conditions may occur.

On September 25-26, an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain will affect Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri, while a yellow warning is issued for Baragada, Subarnapur, Boudh, Kandhamala, and Rayagada.

The following period, September 26-27, sees an orange alert for Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, with thunderstorms and gusty winds anticipated.

Meanwhile, a yellow warning is in effect for Baragada, Subarnapur, Boudh, Kandhamala, Rayagada, and Koraput.

Finally, on September 27-28, heavy rainfall is expected in Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, and Sambalpur, prompting a yellow warning.

Squally conditions with wind speeds of 55-65 kmph, occasionally reaching up to 75 kmph, are likely along and off the Odisha coast, where the sea is expected to be rough to very rough for two days.

Fishermen are strongly advised against venturing into the sea along and off the Odisha coast until September 25.