Severe cyclonic storm to cross Andhra Pradesh next week; IMD issues warning for heavy rain

A severe cyclonic storm will make landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh next week, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

The storm will be called Cyclone Montha, as named by Thailand.

The IMD stated that the current depression, which has formed over the Bay of Bengal, will start moving north-westwards and develop into a deep depression. Then on October 28th, it is likely to develop into a severe cyclonic storm while it crosses the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening/night of 28th October. The storm will have a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

Andhra Pradesh and Yanam of Puducherry can expect isolated heavy rainfall over the coastline for the next five to six days.

A red alert was issued for Bapatla, Prakasam, Kadapa, Nellore, Anna Maya, and Tirupati districts on October 27. An orange alert has also been issued for Nandyal, Chittoor, Palnadu, Guntur, Krishna, East Godavari, and Konaseema districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Kakinada, East Godavari districts, Eluru, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam, and YSR Kadapa districts during the cyclone's landfall.

The area of  Rayalaseema will receive extremely heavy rainfall with over 210 mm in 24 hours on October 27 and 28, according to the IMD.

Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal are also likely to see heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from October 27th to October 28th.

Heavy rains may begin on Sunday.

The IMD has also warned of rough sea conditions next week, and fishermen are advised not to venture out into the southwest till October 29. Those who are at sea have also been advised to return immediately.

People in low-lying areas were warned to be vigilant and not come out during lightning and thunder, which will be caused by the storm.