Tropical Storm Intensifies Into Severe Cyclonic Storm Yaas, IMD Predicts Path, Landfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on May 25 predicted that the cyclonic storm Yaas is going to intensity into a "very severe cyclonic storm" in the next 12 hours. It also stated that Cyclone Yaas is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar Island around Balasore, during noon of May 26 as a "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm". The maximum sustained wind speed is 55 knots gusting to 65 knots around system centre. Sea condition is rough to very rough, it stated. The cyclonic storm is very likely to make landfall near Balasore in north Odisha with a speed of 155 kmph to 165 kmph, gusting to 185 kmph, around noon on May 26, the Met department said on May 24. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has earmarked its highest-ever number of teams for deployment in Odisha and West Bengal as part of its preparations for the impending cyclone Yaas. Red alert warning issued for Odisha's Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore. The Indian Coast Guard on May 24 said all the 265 boats, which were reported to be in the Bay of Bengal by fisheries authorities, have returned to harbour in view of cyclone Yaas.