PATNA, Oct. 25 -- A well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a cyclonic storm, triggering enhanced spells of rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state between October 27 and November 1, the local meteorological centre said on Saturday. Numerical weather prediction models analysed by the India meteorological department (IMD) show the system, located over the same region on Saturday morning, is linked to a cyclonic circulation extending up to about 5.8 km above mean sea level. "It is most likely to intensify into a depression during the day on October 24, further into a deep depression on October 25 and into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26," a meteorological scientist said. According to an IMD release, the system is expected to intensify further and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast over the west-central Bay around the morning of October 28. The combination of this developing system and active easterly winds is expected to raise moisture levels over Bihar. Consequently, rainfall activity is likely to increase markedly across the state between October 27 and November 1. Most places may receive light to moderate rain, while isolated locations could see heavy to very heavy spells. Thunderstorms with lightning and surface winds of 40-50 kmph are also probable at a few places. Continuous rain and heavy downpours in pockets raise the risk of water logging in low-lying areas, inundation of roads and disruption to traffic. Analysing the met office prediction, a senior officer of the agriculture department said that lightning and thunderstorms pose a threat to life and livestock. "Strong winds and lightning may damage standing crops, fruit trees and agricultural produce. Gusty winds and rough weather could hit temporary structures, tin roofs, hutments and weak or kutcha houses. Heavy to very heavy rain may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, water on roads and disruption of traffic," he said, adding that prolonged rain could also cause waterlogging in fields and damage to mature crops ready for harvest as well as produce left in the open. Urging the farmers to step up harvesting of mature crops, the officials advised that the crops must be stored in safe, dry places. "Crop already cut and left in the open for drying should be covered with tarpaulin or other suitable material. Harvesting may be deferred during the adverse weather spell and resumed only when conditions improve. Unnecessary irrigation of vegetables and other crops should be avoided for now, and proper drainage arrangements in fields are essential," he added. The disaster management department urged people not to stand in open fields, near tall trees, water bodies or electric poles....