IMD warns of severe cyclone approaching Andhra coast; heavy rain forecast for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

Amaravati: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that the depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by the evening or night of 28 October.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai, the system is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression by 26 October, and subsequently into a cyclonic storm by 27 October over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The storm could further develop into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of 28 October, with wind speeds reaching 90–100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over several districts of Tamil Nadu, including Tiruvallur, Chennai, Ranipet, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Villupuram. Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal from 25 to 28 October. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are also likely to experience rainfall during this period.

For Chennai and surrounding districts, the sky is expected to remain cloudy with one or two spells of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

The IMD has issued an advisory for fishermen, warning of squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, along the Tamil Nadu and South Andhra coasts, and over the Gulf of Mannar and Comorin area. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between 25 and 29 October, and those currently at sea have been urged to return to the nearest harbour immediately.

Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has begun extensive outreach operations to alert seafarers and fishermen. Ships, aircraft, and radar stations are actively warning fishing vessels to return to safety.

In the last 24 hours, Oothu in Tirunelveli district recorded the highest rainfall in Tamil Nadu at 14 cm, while Tirupuvanam in Sivaganga received 1 cm.

According to IMD forecasts, the system’s movement is being closely monitored as it strengthens over the Bay of Bengal. The department said the depression formed over the southwest Bay is expected to deepen gradually due to favourable oceanic and atmospheric conditions, including warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai noted that the storm is expected to move northwestwards and gain intensity over the next 48 hours. Once it becomes a severe cyclonic storm, it is projected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada by 28 October.

The IMD’s rainfall forecast includes heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh. The advisory also cautioned of potential flooding in low-lying areas and waterlogging in urban regions, particularly in Chennai and nearby districts.

The Coast Guard, coordinating with local administrations, has intensified coastal patrols and issued multiple advisories to ensure no fishing boats remain at sea. The agency reported that many fishermen have already returned to the harbour following warnings.

Meteorologists said the system would be named once it intensifies into a cyclonic storm, as per regional naming conventions set by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The IMD continues to issue regular updates as the system evolves and advises residents and authorities in coastal districts to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
(With PTI inputs)