Overview
- The India Meteorological Department says the Bay of Bengal low has become a depression and is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm by Oct. 26 with landfall likely on the morning of Oct. 28 between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha.
- Forecasts vary by model and centre with some predicting a very severe cyclonic storm and peak sustained winds in excess of 115–140 km/h and a possible 1–2 metre local storm surge at landfall.
- State authorities in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have cancelled staff leave, readied cyclone shelters, staged ODRAF and NDRF teams and ordered fishermen to return to shore under red warnings.
- The IMD has issued sea warnings and red alerts for extremely heavy rain in selected coastal districts while forecasts show heavy to very heavy rainfall spreading inland into eastern and southern states through Oct. 29–30.
- Officials say forecasts will be updated frequently and residents in affected districts should monitor bulletins, follow evacuation orders and use emergency helplines such as 112 and listed state numbers as preparations continue.