Cyclone Montha, currently located over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, is anticipated to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by October 28. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that it will cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on Monday evening or night. The cyclone is expected to carry maximum sustained winds of 90-100 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 110 kmph.
The storm’s impact will extend beyond Andhra Pradesh, bringing light to moderate rainfall to coastal and interior Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. Isolated heavy rainfall is forecast for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Residents in parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh can expect thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.
Cyclone Montha: Key Updates
The most affected region is expected to be Andhra Pradesh, according to IMD Director Manorama Mohanty. The weather department has issued rain and landslide alerts for multiple districts in Odisha.
Red Alert Issued for Andhra Pradesh: A red alert is in effect for the districts of Kakinada, Kona Seema, Eluru, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Baptala, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellore.
Preparations Underway: In Nellore, schools have been closed, and 144 relief centers have been activated in anticipation of heavy rains. District collector Himanshu Shukla has assured that the Somasila Dam’s water flow is being closely monitored to prevent flooding and ensure public safety.
Rainfall Forecast for Tamil Nadu: Light to moderate rain, with chances of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated spots, is predicted for Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu on Monday. Heavy rainfall is also likely in the Ghat areas of Tirunelveli district, as well as in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Theni, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari districts.
Odisha on High Alert: Southern Odisha is on high alert, with 123 disaster response teams deployed across eight districts. Chief fire officer Ramesh Majhi has urged residents in southern Odisha districts to remain indoors and await government advisories.
Prime Ministerial Review: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding Cyclone Montha. State IT minister Nara Lokesh has been tasked with coordinating with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on the matter.
CM’s Directives: Chief Minister Naidu has reviewed the cyclone preparedness, directing officials to implement necessary safety measures and conduct timely evacuations in vulnerable areas.
Weather Center Forecast: Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre duty officer Jagannath Kumar anticipates thunderstorms across the state for the next five days, with significant rainfall expected in coastal districts. He advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea due to adverse weather conditions, with conditions expected to improve after October 29.
West Bengal Advisory: The weather department also indicated that Cyclone Montha is likely to bring heavy rain to several districts in West Bengal starting Tuesday, with predictions of heavy rainfall in some districts between October 28 and 31.
Stay Informed:
- Cyclone Montha Live Updates: IMD Heavy Rainfall Alert in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Cyclonic Storm Tracker News
- Cyclone Montha Nears Chennai: Likely to Get Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall, Strong Winds in Next 24 Hours
- Cyclone Montha: Landfall Tomorrow, Andhra Pradesh to be Most Affected, Says IMD Director | Key Updates