A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Saturday evening, the Meteorological Department has said. The system is currently centered approximately 510 km from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 890 km from Chennai, 920 km from Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, and 1,000 km from Odisha. It is likely to develop into a cyclone by Sunday and could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday midnight or Tuesday. Named Montha, the storm is expected to affect Andhra Pradesh, moving north-northwest and potentially making landfall near Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, by Tuesday evening.
Heavy rainfall is forecast across several parts of Andhra Pradesh due to Montha. The state government has issued a red alert, warning of extremely heavy rains in certain districts on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, while first-level warnings have been issued for ports including Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Krishna Patnam, Nizampatnam, Gangavaram, and Kakinada. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has cautioned that winds could reach speeds of up to 110 km/h and urged residents to remain alert, going outside only if absolutely necessary.
Authorities have also recommended that educational institutions in coastal districts remain closed on October 28 and 29, and travelers to distant areas postpone their journeys. People in regions likely to experience heavy rains, including Machilipatnam, Diviseema, Vijayawada, Guntur, Eluru, and the Godavari districts, have been advised to stay vigilant. Farmers have been urged to take precautionary measures to protect their crops, while residents of low-lying areas have been warned to remain indoors during the cyclone unless absolutely necessary.