Cyclone Yaas likely to intensify into very severe cyclonic storm, predicts IMD

Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a "very severe cyclonic storm" and cross the Odisha and the West Bengal coasts on May 26, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

A low-pressure area formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining north Andaman Sea on Saturday.

While a low-pressure area is the first stage of formation of a cyclone, it



is not necessary that all low-pressure areas will intensify into cyclonic storms.

"The low pressure area is very likely to concentrate into a depression over east-central Bay of Bengal by tomorrow, the 23rd May morning. It is very likely to move north-northwestwards, intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 24th May and further into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours," the IMD said.