Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining eastern states are bracing for severe weather as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal gathers strength. According to meteorologists tracking the system, the atmospheric disturbance is projected to intensify progressively over the coming days, reaching the status of a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coastline on October 28.
Storm Progression and Tracking
Official monitoring published by The Hindu's Monsoon Tracker indicates that the depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal moved southwestwards at approximately 5 kmph. By 11:30 a.m., it had intensified into a deep depression, centered at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 91.0°E.
The system was positioned approximately 420 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 870 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 960 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 1,060 km east-southeast of Machilipatnam, and 1,130 km east of Bapatla.
Forecasters project the system will move southwestwards before escalating into a cyclonic storm over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal. From there, it is expected to track west-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal, reaching severe cyclonic storm intensity by the morning of October 27, before intensifying further into a very severe cyclonic storm as documented in The Hindu's regional weather alerts.
Forecast Milestones and Intensification Timeline
| Date / Timeline | Projected System Intensity | Location / Proximity | Wind Speed / Gusts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Stage | Deep Depression | Lat 15.1°N, Long 91.0°E (870 km ESE of Visakhapatnam) | 5 kmph movement rate |
| October 26 (Early Morning) | Cyclonic Storm | Eastcentral & adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal | Strengthening winds |
| October 27 (Morning) | Severe Cyclonic Storm | Westcentral Bay of Bengal | High-velocity maritime winds |
| October 28 (Morning/Forenoon) | Very Severe Cyclonic Storm | Landfall: Between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam (including Yanam) | 115–125 kmph sustained, gusting to 140 kmph |
Expected Impact, Rainfall, and Precautionary Advisories
The storm is projected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam during the forenoon of October 28, packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.
Heavy precipitation warnings have been issued across multiple eastern and central states. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected over coastal Andhra Pradesh on October 27 and 28. Neighboring Odisha and Telangana are forecast to receive heavy downpours on October 28, while Chhattisgarh faces severe rains on October 28 and 29.
Southern regions are also experiencing unsettled weather under peripheral convective bands. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations across northern, delta, and western districts of Tamil Nadu, as detailed in The Hindu's coastal coverage. In Kerala, adverse conditions have already turned fatal, with two cardamom plantation workers killed after a tree collapsed at Mankulam in Idukki.
With coastal authorities ramping up disaster response measures, transport networks face potential disruptions and local administrations remain on high alert for emergency operational contingencies as the system nears the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the cyclonic storm expected to make landfall?
The system is projected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, during the forenoon of October 28.
What are the projected wind speeds at landfall?
The storm is forecast to cross the coast with sustained wind speeds of 115 to 125 kmph, with peak gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.
Which states are under heavy rainfall warnings?
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is forecast to see extremely heavy rain on October 27 and 28. Odisha and Telangana are on alert for October 28, Chhattisgarh on October 28 and 29, and parts of Tamil Nadu face isolated heavy downpours.
