Cyclone to Develop Tomorrow; Coastal States on High Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather alert, forecasting a cyclonic system forming over the Bay of Bengal tomorrow. Coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha are expected to witness heavy rainfall and strong winds until Tuesday. Authorities are ramping up disaster preparedness efforts to safeguard communities.
Cyclone Formation and Expected Path
A low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression by tomorrow, potentially escalating into a cyclonic storm within 24 hours. The system is projected to move northwestward, affecting India’s eastern coastline. Winds could reach 80–90 km/h, accompanied by torrential rains in vulnerable areas.
Regions Under Threat
Andhra Pradesh
- Districts at Risk: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari
- Forecast: Extremely heavy rainfall (20+ cm)
- Precautions: Fishermen advised to avoid sea travel; evacuations planned for low-lying zones.
Tamil Nadu
- Districts at Risk: Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore
- Forecast: Intense showers with isolated flooding
- Precautions: SDRF teams on standby; flood alerts issued.
Odisha
- Districts at Risk: Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Jagatsinghpur
- Forecast: Heavy downpours from Sunday
- Precautions: NDRF teams deployed; emergency shelters readied.
Safety Advisories and Preparations
- Fishermen: Avoid venturing into the sea until conditions improve.
- Residents: Stay alert in flood-prone areas; follow evacuation orders.
- Travelers: Monitor flight/train updates for disruptions.
- Authorities: NDRF and SDRF teams pre-positioned in high-risk zones.
Historical Context and Potential Impact
The cyclone follows Cyclone Michaung (December 2023), which caused severe flooding in Chennai. While the current system may be less intense, proactive measures are critical to reduce risks.
Stay Informed
The IMD will provide real-time updates. Follow official advisories and avoid misinformation.
