IMD Cyclone Warnings Explained: Watch, Alert, Warning and Outlook

A Warning in Stages

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns about a cyclone in stages, and each stage tells you how close the danger is. Understanding the sequence means you will not be caught out, and you will not panic too early either.

The Four Stages of a Cyclone Bulletin

• Pre-Cyclone Watch: issued around 72 hours before adverse weather is expected. It says that a cyclonic disturbance may develop and that a coast could be affected. This is the time to stay informed and check your preparations.
• Cyclone Alert: issued around 48 hours ahead. The system is expected to affect a specific coast, so it is time to get ready.
• Cyclone Warning: issued around 24 hours ahead. The landfall area and time are expected to be clear enough for action. Follow local authorities and move if you are told to.
• Post-Landfall Outlook: issued around 12 hours ahead of landfall. It covers the aftermath: how the storm is expected to move inland and what heavy rain and flooding to expect.

Colour Codes

For weather warnings by district, IMD uses four colours:

• Green: no warning. No action is needed.
• Yellow: be aware. The weather could get bad.
• Orange: be prepared. Disruption is likely.
• Red: take action. Severe weather is expected.

What to Do at Each Stage

• At Watch or Alert, charge phones, keep documents and medicines in a waterproof bag, and know the nearest cyclone shelter.
• At Warning, follow your state disaster management authority. If an evacuation is ordered, go, and do not wait to see the storm.
• After landfall, stay inside until officials say it is safe. The calm eye of a cyclone is not the end of it.

Use Official Sources

Warnings change as a storm changes. Always check the latest bulletin at mausam.imd.gov.in and listen to your local authorities. Indian Cyclones is an independent explainer. It is not an official warning service.