Cyclone ‘Dana’ unexpectedly weakened due to several factors. The storm made landfall near Havalakhti Nature Camp last night at midnight, but the landfall process lasted about 8.5 hours, longer than the typical 5 to 6 hours.
According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Center, two anticyclonic circulations delayed the landfall. As the storm approached the coast, these high-pressure areas formed on either side of it, effectively squeezing the storm and preventing it from strengthening. Additionally, dry air from the gravitational field infiltrated the storm, contributing to its weakening and slowing its speed.
Meteorologist Umashkar Das noted that their forecasts accurately predicted the storm’s landfall location and wind speeds. However, the presence of the two gravitational forces inhibited the storm’s intensification, leading to an extended landfall process. Outside the immediate landfall area, rainfall remained low.
Typically, the storm’s eye becomes visible when it is strong, but because Dana weakened, the eye did not form. Das emphasized that weak cyclones are more challenging to predict.
Recent reports indicate that Bhadrak, Balasore, and Kendrapara received over 150 mm of rain, while other areas experienced minimal rainfall. The meteorologist explained that the storm’s weakening significantly impacted precipitation outside the centre.