A cyclonic storm is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by Oct 23, affecting the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal, the IMD said on Sunday. An upper air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal during the next 24 hours.

If the depression intensifies then the system will be called Cyclone Dana, a name proposed by Qatar, in line with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) guidelines on naming cyclones.

A cyclone named 'Dana' is forecast to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal, impacting the Bengal-Odisha coast with heavy rain and gusty winds from Oct 23 to 24. The storm may intensify to a 'severe cyclonic storm' with wind speeds up to 120kmph and is expected to affect coastal and southern Bengal.

Once formed, Cyclone Dana is anticipated to move northwest, reaching the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha and West Bengal coasts by the morning of October 24. The IMD has predicted that these coastal regions will experience heavy rainfall between October 23 and 25.

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The India Meteorological Department said Cyclone Dana is expected to reach northwest Bay of Bengal, off Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning

If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named 'Dana', which means a very beautiful and precious pearl in Arabic

Under its influence, the coastal region of Odisha is likely to receive heavy rainfall from October 23 to 25, the IMD said.

IMD warns of severe cyclone forming over Bay of Bengal, with potential landfall by Friday, bringing heavy rainfall.

Cyclone Dana is forming over the Bay of Bengal, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the Bengal-Odisha coast on October 23 and 24. Preparations and warnings issued as the storm may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm.