Due to the effect of cyclonic storm ‘Helen’, rain or thundershower may occur at many places over Odisha and heavy rainfall may occur at one or two places over Odisha during next 36 hours, said local Met officials. The severe cyclonic storm over west central Bay of Bengal moved slightly west-north-westwards and lay centred at 5.30 pm on Thursday about 410 km south-south-west of Gopalpur. It would cross Andhra Pradesh coast near Machillipatnam around afternoon or evening of Friday.
North easterly strong surface wind speed at 45 to 55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph may prevail along and off south Odisha coast and 40 to 45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph may prevail along and off North Odisha coast. Fishermen of south Odisha coast are advised not to venture into the sea and fishermen of north Odisha coast are advised to be cautious while venturing into the sea.