There is a severe tropical cyclone alert for West Bengal and Bangladesh.  You might want to contact family, friends, and colleagues near Calcutta and in Bangladesh to make emergency/evacuation preparations for tropical cyclone "Sidr," as some experts are suggesting it could strengthen to a Category 5, similar to Hurricane Katrina which struck New Orleans.  Be Prepared, and Good Luck.

Dated: 14 November, 2007

Sub: Cyclonic alert for Orissa –West Bengal coast ( Yellow Message )

The very severe cyclonic storm “SIDR” over eastcentral and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal remained practically stationary and lay centred at 2030 hours IST of today, the 14th November, 2007 over eastcentral and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal near Lat. 16.0 Deg N and Long. 89.0 Deg E, about 750 Km south of Kolkata. It is likely to intensify further and move in a northerly direction and cross West Bengal-Bangladesh coast near Sagar island by 16th November 2007 morning.
Under its influence, rain/thundershowers at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places are likely to commence from tomorrow, the 15th forenoon over coastal districts of West Bengal and north Orissa.

Sqally winds speed reaching 50-60 Kmph are likely along and off north Orissa- West Bengal coast commencing from the same period.

Sea condition will be rough to very rough. Fisherman of the above areas are advised not to venture into the sea.