Andhra Pradesh coast braces for severe cyclone on November 17
A depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 17, according to the IMD.
A depression over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 17, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, which was a well-marked low-pressure area on Saturday, intensified into a depression at 0530 hours on Sunday, Telangana Today reported.
The IMD said the system is expected to move north-northwestwards, strengthening into a cyclonic storm on November 16 before becoming a severe cyclonic storm on November 17. Sustained winds could reach 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph, by the evening of November 17, Moneycontrol added.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the storm is likely to approach the North Andhra coastal region. Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the State Disaster Management Authority and Chief Executive Officer of Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS), said North Andhra may experience heavy rains and strong winds on Thursday and Friday.
Jain advised the public and farmers to take necessary precautionary measures. The system follows two recent cyclones, Arnab and Murasu, which struck the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 27 and November 3 respectively. Those storms resulted in 15 deaths and caused significant damage to infrastructure and crops.
In Tamil Nadu, coastal regions including Puducherry and Karaikal are bracing for heavy rainfall, Rediff reported. Moderate rain is also expected in the southern districts and western ghat of the state from Monday.
The IMD noted that weather models differ on the system's subsequent movement, intensity, and landfall location. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the affected parts of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.