Overview
- The India Meteorological Department reports a low-pressure area over the east‑central Bay of Bengal is likely to become a depression by Oct. 24, a deep depression by Oct. 25 and a cyclonic storm by Oct. 26, with a probable landfall on the north Andhra Pradesh or adjoining south Odisha coast on Oct. 27–28.
- Official forecasts and model runs show the system could reach at least severe cyclonic‑storm strength, with some models projecting peak winds near 145 km/h, very rough seas and a 1–2 metre storm surge in vulnerable coastal pockets.
- State and national agencies have escalated preparedness: Odisha has cancelled staff leave and kept NDRF and ODRAF teams on standby while Andhra Pradesh authorities have readied shelters and warned fishermen to return to shore.
- The developing system is already linked to heavy to very heavy rain alerts for coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and may produce squally conditions off the Andaman Sea and rain in parts of South Bengal later in the week.
- Forecasters stress high uncertainty in exact track and final intensity and advise people to follow IMD bulletins and local evacuation orders because changes in wind shear or observations over the next 48–72 hours could shift impacts and timing.