Cyclone Threat Looms Over Andhra Coast, Landfall Likely on October 28

Andhra Pradesh is bracing for a possible severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, with the system expected to intensify in the coming days and make landfall along the state’s coast on October 28, according to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain on Sunday urged people to remain vigilant, closely monitor weather updates and take the developing threat seriously. He said the weather system was likely to strengthen further and advised residents not to underestimate the potential impact.

As of 5.30 am on Sunday, a low-pressure area was centred over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. The system was moving towards the southeast at around 5 kmph, according to the disaster management authority.

The weather system was located approximately 440 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 880 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 980 km from Kakinada, 1,080 km from Machilipatnam and 1,150 km from Bapatla.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area was expected to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area on Sunday before moving west-northwestwards. The system was forecast to develop into a depression and subsequently a cyclonic storm over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.

The IMD projected that the system could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 27 over the west-central Bay of Bengal. It could strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm near the Andhra Pradesh coast by the morning of October 28.

The storm is likely to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28 morning.

At the time of landfall, the system could bring sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph, posing a significant threat to coastal areas.

Authorities have urged people in vulnerable coastal locations to remain alert, follow official weather bulletins and heed safety advisories as the system develops.