Kolkata, May 23: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kolkata and other districts of West Bengal on May 26 and May 27. The IMD, in its latest bulletin, predicted that the cyclonic storm is likely to move northeastwards and concentrate into a depression over central parts of the Bay of Bengal by the morning of May 24.

"It is likely to intensify further, move northeastwards and reach northeast and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal by 25th May evening," the Met office said. The IMD also advised fishermen not to venture into the south Bay of Bengal till May 24, the central Bay of Bengal till May 26 and the north Bay of Bengal from May 24 onwards till the morning of May 27. Fishermen out at sea are advised to return to the coast. West Bengal Weather Forecast: Met Department Predicts Squally Weather, Rain in Coastal Districts From May 24.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Somenath Dutta, Scientist-G of Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata said, "Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall with lightning, gusty wind with a speed of 70-100 km in many districts of West Bengal including coastal areas, Kolkata on May 26 and 27."

"Yesterday's Low Pressure Area has moved towards northeastwards and lay as a low pressure area over West Central and adjoining South Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to continue to move northeastwards, intensify further into a cyclonic storm over east-central Bay of Bengal by May 25 in East Central Bay of Bengal. The cyclonic storm would move nearly northwards and reach Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts by May 26 midnight as a severe cyclonic storm," said Dr Somenath Dutta said. Cyclone Forecast Alert: Intense Cyclone Likely in Bay of Bengal This Month, Heavy Rainfall Predicted in Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra Including Mumbai; Check Dates.

"We have a Special Operating Procedure and mailed to the state government and all stakeholders for the cyclonic storm as well as for evacuation process. Pre-cyclone watch has started from today," Dr Somenath Dutta further said.

Dr Somenath Dutta also stated cyclonic storm warning will not affect the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal which is scheduled on May 25.