Bay of Bengal weather system likely to turn into severe cyclone by Monday

A new low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is turning into a cyclonic storm that will likely hit the coast of north Andhra Pradesh on October 28. The system formed early Friday morning over the east-central and southeast parts of the sea. It is expected to grow into a depression on Saturday and a deep depression on Sunday.

Storm Details

K. Naga Ratna from the Amaravati Meteorological Centre says the system will likely cross the coast in the early hours of October 28 before moving toward Odisha. It will reach at least a severe cyclonic storm strength. Some weather models show it could become a very severe storm with winds up to 145 kmph and a storm surge of one to two metres. The exact landfall point is still uncertain. Officials say it could cross between West Godavari and Srikakulam districts, with specific models pointing to Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and Konaseema.

Warnings and Rain

The India Meteorological Department issued red warnings for extremely heavy rain in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts for October 27. On October 28, red warnings cover Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, and West Godavari. Visakhapatnam faces an orange alert for heavy rain on October 28. Other districts like Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Eluru are under orange alerts on both days. Rainfall figures from Friday morning show Amalapuram received 94 mm and Nellore received 73 mm.

Safety Steps

Fishermen currently at sea must return to the shore by Saturday morning. Authorities have told people not to go out into the sea along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts on October 27 and 28. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority asks the public and farmers to take safety steps. People can call helplines 112, 1070, and 18004250101 for help.

Context

Coastal regions of India often face severe storms during the monsoon and post-monsoon months due to warm waters in the Bay of Bengal. Meteorological departments track these low-pressure areas days in advance to issue timely warnings and prevent loss of life.