The deep depression has strengthened into a cyclonic storm, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm earlier this morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It is forecasted to develop into a severe cyclone before making landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal, with wind speeds potentially reaching 120 km per hour on Friday, October 25, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

In a bulletin, the IMD stated, "The deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestward at 18 km per hour over the last six hours and has intensified into Cyclonic Storm 'Dana'."

The IMD further noted, "The system is likely to move northwestward and strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by early morning on October 24. It is expected to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island, crossing the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts during the night of October 24 or early October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of up to 120 km per hour."