Bhubneshwar, Sep 21: Cyclonic storm 'Daye' trigerred heavy rains and strong winds in several parts of Odisha after it crossed the coast near Gopalpur in the wee hours of Friday. According to the Indian Meteorological Department or IMD, cyclonic storm 'Daye' is moving west-northwestward and would weaken gradually into a deep depression.

After crossing south Odisha and adjoining Andhra Pradesh coast close to Gopalpur, the cyclonic storm brought heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts of the state. Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Nayagarh and Puri districts were worst affected. Cyclone Warning Centre Likely to be Set Up in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ahmedabad & Mumbai.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue at several places in Rayagada, Kalahandi, Koraput and Nabarangpur districts till Saturday, the MeT centre predicted. Some places in Balangir, Bararh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall till the morning of Saturday.

The state of sea would be rough over northwest Bay of Bengal, along and off south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts during the next few hours, the IMD has warned. Following the arrival of cyclonic storm 'Daye', all ports in Odisha displayed danger signs with signal number 3, which warns of surface winds clocking 40-50 kmph.

Authorities in coastal districts have been instructed to be alert to tackle any emergency situation. Earlier on Thursday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a review meeting and directed the officials to keep a close watch on the situation and take steps to ensure no loss of life. He also asked them to arrange adequate relief materials.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2018 08:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).