Bhubaneswar, Oct 25: A cyclonic system forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into Cyclone Montha by October 27 and make landfall between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam on the night of October 28 or morning of October 29, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

While Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the main impact, Odisha will receive widespread rain from October 27 to 29, with heavy to very heavy showers likely in southern and coastal districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri. Wind speeds along the coast may reach 50–60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 26. Rainfall is expected to decrease from October 30, remaining light and scattered thereafter.

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state is fully prepared, with cyclone shelters ready, food stockpiled, and all districts on alert.

Experts say the cyclone is unlikely to be very intense but will bring moderate to heavy rainfall across most parts of Odisha during the period.