The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘Red Warning’ for strong winds and rough seas for multi-day boats operating in the deep-sea areas of the Bay of Bengal.

It said the low-pressure area over West-Central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards and intensified into “a Depression” at 0530 SLST today (22), over the same region. 

It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Deep Depression over West-Central and adjoining Northwest Bay of Bengal during the next 12 hours, according to the Department of Meteorology. 

It is further expected to continue moving west-northwestwards and cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coasts.

The wind speed in the sea areas marked under the “Advisory” category on the map will increase to 55-65 kmph at times and those sea areas will be rough or very rough at times. 

Meanwhile, wind speeds in the sea areas marked under the “Warning” category may increase to 70kmph at times. Moreover, heavy thundershowers can occur, and the sea conditions in these areas will become very rough. 

Naval and fishing communities are warned not into venture to the sea areas between 5°N and 22°N latitude and 85°E and 100°E longitude until further notice, the statement said. 

Those already operating in the affected sea areas are advised to move away from the affected sea areas. 

The naval and fishing communities engaging in activities over this sea area are further advised to be vigilant and be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.