Cyclone Warning: Heavy Rainfall To Hit Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Coast On High Alert

A low-pressure system is forming over the South-west Bay of Bengal, according to Ronanki Kurmanath, Managing Director of the AP State Disaster Management Authority.

In a statement made on Sunday, Mr Kurmanath warned that this system is likely to intensify into a severe storm, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of Andhra Pradesh. The most intense weather is expected to last over three days, starting today.

Photo Credit: PTI

As the system strengthens, it is predicted to move towards the northern coast of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the southern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, with particularly heavy rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period. Mr Kurmanath also forecast moderate to heavy rainfall for districts such as Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore, Kurnool, Nandyal, YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Tirupati on Monday. Lighter rain is expected in areas including Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, and Palnadu.

Residents are urged to remain cautious around overflowing canals, roads, culverts, and manholes. The public is also advised to stay away from electric poles, wires, trees, and billboards, as the risk of lightning is high. Farmers and outdoor workers, particularly shepherds, are warned not to seek shelter under trees or public structures during thunderstorms.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha has alerted District Collectors, the Police Department, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to prepare for the heavy rains expected from October 14.

During a teleconference held on October 12, Ms Anitha instructed officials to set up control rooms and monitor the situation continuously. Special attention is being given to the south and north coastal districts, as well as Rayalaseema, with measures in place to prevent breaches to riverbanks and reservoirs.

Districts such as Eluru, Prakasam, West Godavari, Palnadu, and Sri Sathya Sai have been put on high alert.