IMD warns of heavy rain, strong winds in Odisha as severe Cyclone Montha approaches Andhra coast

Severe cyclonic storm Montha is rapidly approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada between Tuesday evening and night, meteorologists have warned. The cyclone, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, is currently moving at a speed of 12 kmph, with its center located about 160 km from Machilipatnam, 240 km from Kakinada, 320 km from Visakhapatnam, and 530 km from Gopalpur, Odisha.

The storm is drawing strength from the Bay of Bengal and has already started influencing weather conditions along coastal regions. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are being reported in South Odisha districts, with wind speeds likely to reach 60–70 kmph along the Odisha coast. Cyclone Montha is expected to produce gusts of up to 110 kmph during landfall.

The approaching storm has churned up the sea, generating high waves and rough conditions, while coastal winds have intensified, accompanied by thunder and heavy showers.

Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and experts, including IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, are closely monitoring the cyclone’s trajectory and potential impacts. 

“As per our earlier predictions, this system has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds reaching up to 90–100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. It will cross near Kakinada along the Andhra Pradesh coast between this evening and tonight. By tomorrow morning, it will weaken into a cyclonic storm near Malkangiri and the surrounding region, and later into a depression over Chhattisgarh,” Mohapatra informed.

“Wind speed will remain around 60–70 kmph along the Odisha coast, gusting up to 80–90 kmph. Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nuapada districts will experience rainfall. After October 29, rain will gradually decrease; however, rainfall activity will increase in north Odisha. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea,” he added.

Authorities have issued warnings for residents to remain indoors, avoid venturing into the sea, and follow updates from disaster management and meteorological departments.

Southern Odisha is likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24–48 hours, with the system expected to move inland and weaken after crossing the Andhra coast. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to take necessary precautions and stay alert to sudden changes in weather conditions.

Also Read: Cyclone ‘Montha’ triggers heavy rain in Twin City Cuttack and Bhubaneswar; IMD predicts more showers

The cyclone poses a serious threat to life and property, with districts along the coast and interior regions urged to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.