Bay of Bengal: Cyclonic Storm Hamoon tracking north-northeastward in the Bay of Bengal Oct. 23

Event

Cyclonic Storm Hamoon is tracking north-northeastward in the Bay of Bengal Oct. 23. As of 17:30 IST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 632 km (399 miles) southwest of Chattogram, Bangladesh.

Forecast models indicate that the system will maintain cyclonic storm strength as it tracks northeastward in the northern Bay of Bengal through Oct. 24. The system is expected to weaken into a depression as it approaches southern Bangladesh early Oct. 25 and will likely dissipate as it makes landfall over Barisal Division, Bangladesh, during the afternoon of Oct. 25. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.

As of Oct. 23, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazaar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist Local Warning Signal No. 4 (level 4 on a ten-tier scale) due to the system's approach. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are forecast in southern coastal areas over the coming days. Authorities have advised all vessels in the North Bay to take shelter immediately.

The India Meteorological Division has warned of light-to-moderate rainfall with isolated heavy downpours over coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal states Oct. 23-24. Yellow heavy rainfall warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) have been issued for Odisha Oct. 23 and Gangetic West Bengal Oct. 24. Isolated heavy rainfall is also forecast in northeastern states Oct. 25 and orange heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for parts of Tripura State and yellow warnings across much of the rest of the region.

Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast adverse weather conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Bangladesh Meteorological Department
India Meteorological Department