Cyclonic Storm Likely Over Bay, Andhra Coast on High Alert

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has sounded a high alert for coastal districts as a deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours. With rough seas and strong winds forecast, the authority has urged fishermen to stay ashore until Wednesday and advised coastal residents to remain vigilant.

According to APSDMA, the weather system, currently positioned over the north Odisha–West Bengal coast, is moving northwestwards and is likely to strengthen further before crossing the coastline between Paradip and Sagar Island. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the system could attain cyclonic storm intensity before landfall, although its primary impact on Andhra Pradesh is expected to be through strong winds, rough seas and scattered rainfall rather than a direct hit.

The authority warned that wind speeds of 55–65 kmph are likely along the North Andhra coast over the next 24 hours, with the sea expected to remain very rough. High waves and powerful currents could endanger small fishing vessels, prompting officials to suspend fishing operations as a precaution.

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain advised that boats measuring less than seven metres should not venture into the sea under any circumstances. Fishermen already at sea have been urged to return immediately to the nearest harbour or safe anchorage, while all fishing activity has been suspended until conditions improve.

Authorities have also appealed to residents to avoid beaches and other shoreline areas, warning that strong winds and turbulent waves may pose risks even without direct cyclone landfall. Tourists have been asked to stay away from the coast, while people living in low-lying coastal villages have been urged to follow official advisories and be prepared for any emergency.

The weather system is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds, across several districts, including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Eluru and Konaseema. Isolated spells of heavier rain cannot be ruled out as moisture from the Bay of Bengal strengthens the active southwest monsoon.

Meteorologists note that while the cyclone is forecast to make landfall farther north, cyclonic systems over the Bay of Bengal often have a broad circulation extending hundreds of kilometres, allowing their outer rainbands and wind fields to influence Andhra Pradesh. The Bay remains the most active cyclone-generating basin in the North Indian Ocean, particularly during the monsoon season, when warm sea-surface temperatures and favourable atmospheric conditions support rapid intensification.

As a precaution, the Disaster Management Department has placed coastal district administrations on alert. District Collectors, along with officials from the Revenue, Fisheries, Police and Fire Services departments, have been directed to remain prepared for emergency response, rescue and relief operations if required.

Officials have also urged the public to ignore rumours circulating on social media and rely only on updates issued by the IMD, APSDMA and district authorities. The situation is being monitored round the clock, and further advisories will be issued if the weather system intensifies or its track changes.