Bhubaneswar: An orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for eight districts of Odisha, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Khurda, from Nov 19 to 21 as a possible cyclonic storm is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by the evening of Nov 16.The system may intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of Nov 18 with wind speeds reaching 85-95 kmph and gusting up to 105 kmph, said IMD Bhubaneswar director Manorama Mohanty. “The path and landfall area of the possible cyclone can be predicted within a day or two,” she said.Squally weather with wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, is likely to commence along and off the south Odisha coast from Nov 17. Wind speeds may increase to 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph, between Nov 18 and 20. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough from Nov 17 to 21, the IMD bulletin said.However, former IMD Bhubaneswar director Sarat Chandra Sahu said weather models indicate a possible cyclonic storm may hit the Andhra Pradesh coast around Nov 19 or 20, with a chance of further intensification.The state govt is gearing up to tackle any situation if the impending cyclonic storm hits the Odisha coast or causes an impact after making landfall in the southern states. It is currently in wait-and-watch mode as the IMD has not yet forecast the likely landfall area.The office of special relief commissioner (SRC) on Saturday issued an advisory to districts under orange and yellow warnings, asking administrations to remain prepared for any eventuality. “People may be advised to keep watch on the weather and take shelter during thunderstorm activity to protect themselves from lightning. Proper steps may be taken to address localised flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas and closure of underpasses, mainly in urban areas,” the govt advisory said.Fishermen currently at sea have been advised to return to the coast by Nov 15. Fresh fishing activities along and off the south Odisha coast should be avoided from Nov 17 onwards.