Cyclone Montha forecast: High winds and heavy rain trigger evacuations in coastal states
Andhra Pradesh: Cyclone Montha, which means “fragrant flower” in Thai, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada between Ongole and Kalingapatnam late this evening or early night. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is likely to bring wind speeds of 100–110 kmph, accompanied by intense rainfall and high tides.
Waves up to 4.7 metres have been reported along the Andhra coast between Nellore and Srikakulam, prompting high alerts in coastal areas. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) confirmed that the system is moving northwest at around 18 kmph.
Weather Forecast:
IMD and AccuWeather reports indicate widespread rain across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana on Tuesday. Coastal regions, including Kakinada, Vizag, and Machilipatnam, are expected to face severe weather conditions with possible flooding.
- Andhra Pradesh: Heavy to very heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges of up to 1 metre.
- Telangana: Orange alert in three districts including Hyderabad; residents advised to avoid travel.
- Odisha: Red alert in eight southern districts; “zero casualty” target announced.
- Tamil Nadu: Schools and colleges closed in Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Chennai, and Tiruvallur due to heavy rainfall.
Also read: Andhra officials hold emergency meet as Cyclone Montha nears coast
Government Response and Evacuations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full central support after speaking with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Relief camps have been established with food, cash aid, and medical teams on standby. The Andhra CM has ordered hourly cyclone tracking and evacuation from flood-prone areas.
Over 787 pregnant women have been shifted to hospitals in Andhra Pradesh as a precaution, while 5,000 personnel and 128 rescue teams have been deployed in Odisha’s red-alert districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, and Ganjam.
Sea Conditions and Fishermen Advisory
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has forecast sea waves between 2 and 4.7 metres till late Monday night. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea till October 29, covering areas off Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Yanam.
Dr B Amudha, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, cautioned against travelling along the eastern coastline, urging immediate return of fishing vessels.
Cyclone Impact on Travel and Aviation
IndiGo has issued a travel advisory for passengers flying to and from Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Rajahmundry, citing likely flight delays and cancellations. Waterlogging and poor visibility may impact operations, and passengers are urged to check flight status before heading to airports.
Maharashtra Weather Impact
The IMD has warned that under the influence of Cyclone Montha, parts of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region — including Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, and Yavatmal — will experience moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40–50 km/h between October 28 and 30.
Safety Measures and Alerts
- Coastal residents in Andhra Pradesh have been moved to shelters.
- The government has announced Rs 3,000 in cash and 25 kg of rice per family in relief.
- NDRF, R&B, and Power Department teams are on standby for restoration work.
- Citizens are urged to stay indoors, store drinking water, and avoid coastal travel.
Cyclone Montha Landfall Prediction
According to IMD’s latest forecast (as of 06:38 IST, October 28, 2025), Cyclone Montha will make landfall between Ongole and Kakinada by evening or night, likely as a severe cyclonic storm. The event could bring a storm surge of 1 metre above astronomical tide, inundating low-lying areas.
The situation remains dynamic, with heavy rainfall continuing across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, marking one of the most intense weather events of the post-monsoon season.