Cyclone Alert: Bay of Bengal System Likely to Intensify, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Brace for Extremely Heavy Rainfall
IMD issues pre-cyclone watch for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts; heavy rainfall forecast across several states from October 27
According to the IMD’s bulletin issued on October 24, the system is likely to intensify into a depression on October 24, followed by a deep depression on October 25. It is forecast to develop into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26. The system is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast around the morning of October 28.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Face Risk of Extremely Heavy Rainfall
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are expected to experience the most significant rainfall impacts as the system approaches the coast.
In Andhra Pradesh, light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places on October 27 and 28, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places on October 29.
Odisha is forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places on October 27. On October 28, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at several places, with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue at isolated places on October 29.
Squally weather, with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph, is likely to begin along and off the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts on October 27, gradually intensifying thereafter.
State-Wise Rainfall Forecast
| State/Region | Rainfall Forecast | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman Islands | Light to moderate rain at most places; heavy rain at isolated locations | October 24–27 |
| Andhra Pradesh | Heavy to very heavy rain at a few places; extremely heavy rain at isolated locations | October 27–28 |
| Odisha | Heavy to very heavy rain, with extremely heavy rain at isolated locations | October 27–29 |
| Telangana | Heavy to very heavy rain at a few places and extremely heavy rain at isolated locations in eastern parts | October 28 |
| South Chhattisgarh | Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places | October 28 |
| North Chhattisgarh | Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places | October 29 |
| Vidarbha | Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places | October 28 |
| Coastal Gangetic West Bengal | Heavy rain at isolated places | October 28–29 |
| Jharkhand | Heavy rain at isolated places | October 29 |
| Bihar | Heavy rain at isolated places; heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places the following day | October 29–30 |
| Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim | Heavy rain at isolated places | October 29–30 |
| East Uttar Pradesh | Heavy rain at isolated places | October 29–30 |
The Andaman Islands are likely to receive rainfall at most places through October 27. Heavy downpours could cause waterlogging, traffic disruption and localised flooding in low-lying areas.
Wind Speeds Likely to Increase as System Strengthens
The IMD has warned that wind speeds over the Bay of Bengal will increase as the weather system intensifies.
On October 24, squally weather with winds of 40–50 kmph and gusts up to 60 kmph is expected over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and along and off the Andaman Islands.
By October 25, winds are likely to strengthen to 50–60 kmph, with gusts reaching 70 kmph, over the east-central, west-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal.
By the morning of October 26, gale-force winds of 70–80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, are forecast over the west-central and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal. Wind conditions are expected to intensify further as the system moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast through October 28.
Rough Seas, Fishermen Advised to Stay Ashore
Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate over the coming days. The sea is likely to remain rough over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and along and off the Andaman Islands until the morning of October 25.
Conditions are forecast to become very rough to high over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal from October 25. High to very high sea conditions are likely over the west-central and adjoining east-central and northwest Bay of Bengal from October 26 to 28.
The sea is also expected to remain rough to very rough along and off the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts from October 27 to 28.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and waters along and off the Andaman Islands from the evening of October 24 through October 26. Fishing activities should also be suspended over the west-central and adjoining northwest and southwest Bay of Bengal from October 26 to 28, as well as along and off the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts from October 27 to 28.
IMD Warns of Flooding, Crop Damage and Coastal Disruption
The approaching system could cause localised flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic disruption, particularly in urban centres. Heavy rainfall may reduce visibility, damage horticultural crops and standing crops, and affect road connectivity.
Along the Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts, strong winds could damage thatched houses and huts, blow off rooftops and loose metal sheets, break tree branches and uproot large trees. Minor damage to power and communication lines, damage to kutcha roads, and inundation of coastal agricultural land are also possible.
The IMD has advised residents in vulnerable coastal settlements to move to safer locations and remain indoors during adverse weather. People should avoid vulnerable structures, waterlogging-prone areas and unsafe boat movements, and follow official traffic and local administration advisories.
Fisheries departments, port authorities, shipping operators and offshore establishments have been advised to review their preparedness and monitor subsequent marine weather warnings. Maritime authorities have also been urged to assess vessel-tracking, communication and search-and-rescue arrangements.
