Cyclone Yaas likely to hit West Bengal, Odisha on May 26

"A low pressure area is very likely to form over north Andaman Sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal around May 22 and is very likely to intensify gradually into a cyclonic storm during the subsequent 72 hours," IMD said in an official statement.

The cyclone is very likely to move northwestwards and reach West Bengal, Odisha coasts around May 26 evening, it stated.

It is likely to trigger light to moderate rainfall, commencing from May 25 evening with significant increase in spatial extension and intensity subsequently.

Squally wind speed reaching 45–55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely to prevail over Andaman Sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal on May 23.

Squally wind speed reaching 45–55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph is likely to prevail over Andaman Sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal on 23rd May.

It is very likely to increase becoming 50–60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph from May 23 and further becoming Gale wind speed during May 24 to May 26.over major parts of central Bay of Bengal and into North Bay of Bengal and along & off Odisha – West, Bengal – Bangladesh coasts during May 25 – 27.

Sea conditions will be rough to very rough over Andaman Sea & adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal on May 23, High to very High over major parts of Central Bay of Bengal during May 24 – May 26 and into North Bay of Bengal and along and off Odisha – West Bengal coasts during May 25 – 27.

The fishermen of West Bengal are advised not to venture into the sea from May 24 till further information, the IMD warned.

Those who are out in the deep sea are advised to return to the coast by May 23, it added.