Drivers Urged to Stay Alert During Winter Mornings and Nights

The State Transport Authority (STA) has advised motorists to remain extremely cautious while driving during winter, especially during early mornings and late nights when dense fog reduces visibility. The authority warned that foggy conditions significantly increase the chances of road accidents.

The STA has urged drivers to take breaks during long-distance journeys to prevent fatigue-related mishaps.

SOP in Force Across Odisha Till February

Recently, the STA issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) directing all RTOs in Odisha to conduct a special road safety campaign from November 16 to February 28.
According to official data, road accidents claim over 5,000 lives every year in Odisha. In the last decade, more than 47,000 people have died and over 1 lakh individuals have sustained serious injuries in road mishaps.

The authority highlighted that the highest number of accidents occur between November and February, making public awareness and precautionary measures essential.

Cyclone Ditwah Likely to Make Landfall on November 30

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts regarding Cyclone Ditwah, which is expected to make landfall on November 30.
The storm, currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and Sri Lanka coast, is moving in a north-northwest direction.

According to IMD predictions, the cyclone may strike the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh.

Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Forecast

Under the influence of the cyclone, strong winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall are likely over multiple regions.
Several districts of Tamil Nadu are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall today, while heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted over parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh till December 1.

IMD has issued Red and Orange Alerts for coastal areas, advising residents to remain vigilant.

Fishermen Advised to Stay Away from Sea

Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea and to return to the coast immediately due to high waves and dangerous weather conditions.

Tamil Nadu Districts Take Precautionary Measures

Authorities in Tamil Nadu have begun preparations to handle the potential impact of Cyclone Ditwah.
All schools in Villupuram district have been declared closed today.
Heightened alert measures have also been implemented in Cuddalore district to ensure public safety.

The post STA Issues Winter Driving Advisory as Fog Increases Accident Risk; IMD Warns of Cyclone Ditwah Impact appeared first on Odisha Connect.

System Weakens After Crossing Coast

The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’ has weakened into a cyclone after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast late last night, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Bhubaneswar confirmed. Despite initial concerns, Odisha escaped any major impact, with only light to moderate rainfall reported from several southern and northern districts.

At 5:30 PM, the system was centered over the west-central and north Bay of Bengal, about 19 km southwest of Puri, moving north-northwestwards at a speed of around 15 kmph. RMC Director H.R. Mohanty said the cyclone is likely to weaken further and move eastward, away from the coast. “There will be no adverse impact on the state, though heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in isolated pockets,” she added.

Rain and Wind Across Several Districts

Even as Odisha avoided direct damage, several districts recorded heavy rainfall under the storm’s peripheral influence.

• Mayurbhanj received the highest rainfall of 105 mm,

• Balasore recorded 93.8 mm,

• Khordha saw 98 mm, and

• Chandbali reported 74.4 mm.

Districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak are likely to witness further rain spells accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Wind speeds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, were reported in Malkangiri and Koraput, while other regions experienced winds in the range of 35–45 kmph with gusts up to 55 kmph.

Landfall Between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam

The landfall process began around 7 PM and continued till 1 AM, hitting the coast near Narsapuram in Andhra Pradesh, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam. The system packed winds of 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph, accompanied by torrential rain in coastal Andhra regions such as Machilipatnam, Kakinada, and Nellore.

High tidal waves surged up to 200–500 meters inland, creating rough sea conditions and coastal flooding in some low-lying pockets.

Fishermen Advised Caution

The Meteorological Centre has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea due to high wind speeds and turbulent waves in the Bay of Bengal. The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack may experience intermittent showers and lightning activities throughout the day.

Experts: Storm Weaker Than Anticipated

Meteorologists and disaster management officials noted that Cyclone Montha did not intensify as much as early forecasts suggested, sparing both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha from severe destruction. The storm’s rapid weakening after landfall was attributed to cooler sea surface temperatures and increased wind shear, which disrupted its core circulation.

“Although the storm caused heavy rains and local flooding in Andhra’s coastal belt, it failed to match the ferocity predicted in initial bulletins,” an expert said.

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