Cyclone ‘Montha’ turns into severe cyclonic storm; know how IMD classifies storms based on intensity

Cyclone ‘Montha’ intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by early Tuesday morning, prompting a red alert for parts of south Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system is moving north-northwestwards and is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, by tonight.

Cyclone ‘Montha’ Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the cyclone moved at a speed of 15 kmph during the past six hours and lay centred at 5:30 am today near latitude 14.7°N and longitude 83.1°E.

At that time, it was positioned about 190 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 270 km south-southeast of Kakinada, 340 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, and 550 km south-southwest of Gopalpur.

The weather office warned that the system would maintain its severe cyclonic storm strength until landfall, packing sustained winds of 90–100 kmph with gusts up to 110 kmph. Once it crosses the Andhra coast tonight, the storm is expected to weaken gradually as it moves inland toward southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

How IMD Classifies Cyclones By Intensity?

The IMD categorises tropical weather systems over the North Indian Ocean into eight distinct stages based on their maximum sustained wind speed (MSW). This classification determines the storm’s intensity, potential impact, and the level of warnings issued to authorities and the public.

• Low Pressure Area: Winds not exceeding 17 knots (31 kmph); a weak system without an organised cyclonic structure.
• Depression: 17–27 knots (31–49 kmph); features a closed cyclonic circulation.
• Deep Depression: 28–33 knots (50–61 kmph); indicates further intensification.
• Cyclonic Storm: 34–47 knots (62–88 kmph); a well-developed system, usually assigned a name.
• Severe Cyclonic Storm: 48–63 knots (89–117 kmph); stronger and potentially damaging winds.
• Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: 64–90 knots (118–167 kmph); can cause extensive damage along coastal areas.
• Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm: 91–119 knots (168–221 kmph); leads to large-scale destruction and heavy rainfall.
• Super Cyclonic Storm: 120 knots (222 kmph) or higher; represents the most catastrophic level, capable of widespread devastation.

ALSO READ: Cyclone Montha: NDRF, Fire Services on high alert in Odisha, schools closed in 8 districts

Current Classification and Implications

Cyclone Montha currently falls in the Severe Cyclonic Storm category, with wind speeds ranging from 89 to 117 kmph. This phase typically results in uprooting of trees, damage to thatched structures, power disruptions, and heavy to very heavy rainfall along coastal belts.

The IMD said that while Montha’s intensity is not expected to reach “very severe” levels before landfall, continuous monitoring is underway. The system’s movement, wind strength, and rainfall pattern will determine whether further warnings are necessary for interior regions of Odisha after landfall.

As of this morning, both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh administrations remain on high alert, with disaster response teams deployed and evacuations underway in low-lying areas, as the Bay of Bengal braces for yet another severe cyclonic storm this season.