System strengthens; coast placed on alert
A low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression at 5:30 PM IST on October 24, according to the latest weather update. The system was centred near latitude 15.8°N and longitude 90.7°E and is currently several hundred kilometres east of the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
Meteorological forecasts indicate a continued period of strengthening. The depression is expected to move initially towards the south, deepen into a deep depression, then gradually recurving west-northwestwards on October 25. By the morning of October 26, it is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm, and further intensification into a severe cyclonic storm around the morning of October 27 is forecast. The system could reach very severe cyclonic storm intensity as it approaches the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28.
Forecast landfall and wind estimates
Authorities expect the system to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. At landfall, the storm is likely to carry maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph, according to the advisory.
| Location | Approximate distance from system centre |
|---|---|
| Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands) | ~510 km north-northwest |
| Visakhapatnam | ~820 km east-southeast |
| Kakinada | ~910 km east-southeast |
| Machilipatnam | ~1,020 km east |
| Bapatla | ~1,100 km east |
Precautionary measures and advisory
A pre-cyclone watch has been issued for the Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts. Local administrations and disaster management agencies are being advised to monitor the situation closely and to ready relief and evacuation plans where necessary.
- Coastal communities should stay alert to official bulletins and be prepared for evacuation orders if issued by district authorities.
- Fisherfolk and small craft operators must avoid venturing into the sea until the all-clear is given.
- Local administrations should secure loose items, check relief shelters, and prepare power, health and communication contingencies.
The forecast path indicates the system will move west-northwest after initially moving southwards, which raises the prospect of rapid escalation in intensity as it traverses the Bay of Bengal. Such evolution can change impact projections and timing; authorities will issue updated guidance as the system progresses.
Local implications for Andhra Pradesh
While the storm is still over the open sea, coastal districts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam are likely to experience increasing winds, heavy rain and rough seas in the run-up to landfall. The potential for storm surge, flooding in low-lying coastal areas and disruption to power and communications exists if the system attains the indicated strength at landfall.
Government departments responsible for fisheries, revenue, police and health are expected to coordinate preparedness. Port authorities and the shipping sector will be monitoring notices to mariners; residents should check advisories from local district administrations and state disaster management authorities for details on preparedness measures and evacuation protocols.
The advisory underlines that forecasts may be updated frequently. Residents and agencies on the Andhra coast are advised to follow official weather bulletins and instructions from relevant disaster management agencies for real-time information and safety directions.
All stakeholders — local bodies, transport operators, health services and emergency responders — should maintain readiness and ensure communication lines are operational as the system progresses towards the coast.
