Severe cyclonic storm targets Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts

Meteorologists from the India Meteorological Department are tracking a new cyclonic circulation expected to intensify into a very severe storm by October 27. Currently located over the Gulf of Thailand and adjoining Myanmar, the system will emerge into the North Andaman Sea on Wednesday before forming a low-pressure area over the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal around October 23. Forecasters predict the storm could make landfall near Visakhapatnam, directly affecting the northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts by the morning of October 28. Coastal communities in Odisha remain highly vulnerable to late-October weather systems, which historically bring extreme wind and severe agricultural disruptions just before the winter harvest.

Projected storm path and intensification Weather models indicate the initial low-pressure area will rapidly develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26. Moving generally in a northwest direction, the system is projected to reach very severe status within 24 hours. While initial tracking suggests a direct trajectory toward the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coastline, meteorological experts caution that the precise path may shift westward. An additional feeble low-pressure system forming near the Kerala coast in the Arabian Sea currently complicates the exact determination of the landfall location and timing.

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Rainfall warnings for coastal districts State authorities expect increased precipitation across multiple vulnerable districts in Odisha. Regions including Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Puri, and Khordha are preparing for heavy showers. Residents will experience isolated to scattered rainfall accompanied by gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph, which could quickly peak at 50 kmph. These turbulent weather patterns are expected to escalate around October 26 as the primary system moves closer to the mainland.

Simultaneously, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will face widespread rainfall and isolated heavy downpours throughout the week. Wind speeds in the island territory will intensify significantly, reaching gusts up to 60 kmph with isolated thunderstorms and lightning starting October 23. Emergency tracking agencies continue to monitor the Bay of Bengal system closely, anticipating more definitive trajectory insights over the next 48 hours.