Tropical Cyclone Fani in the Bay of Bengal has strengthened to the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour. The storm is expected to move northward towards the northeastern coast of India, making landfall in eastern Odisha by tomorrow. The cyclone may weaken slightly prior to landfall, but should still be a powerful storm, with maximum sustained winds above 145 mph. The cyclone should then accelerate northeastward and weaken, passing near Kolkata Friday night and early Saturday and into Bangladesh on Saturday. Government officials in the region have already ordered evacuations.
“Damaging winds are likely across eastern portions of Odisha with the city of Puri being on the stronger side of the system,” said Maxar Weather Desk Meteorologist Kyle Tapley. “Rainfall amounts of 4-8” (100-200 mm) will likely lead to flooding, particularly in eastern Odisha, West Bengal and western Bangladesh.”
The biggest concern from Fani is storm surge, which may lead to extensive damage along coastal areas of Odisha, particularly north of the city of Puri.
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Pre-event imagery has been posted on our Open Data Program website. Please continue to check this site and our social media channels for updates on post-event data.
Maxar’s WeatherDesk provides access to timely and accurate weather data that empowers decision making and mitigates risk. Special weather reports focus on key market-moving concerns and 24/7/365 consultation is available for clients worldwide. The operations of DigitalGlobe, SSL and Radiant Solutions were unified under the Maxar brand in February; MDA continues to operate as an independent business unit within the Maxar organization.