Environment & Climate25 Oct 2026 · about 6 min

Andhra Pradesh braces for very severe cyclonic storm; landfall likely between Bapatla and Vizag on October 28

The brief

A very severe cyclonic storm is an extremely powerful weather system in the IMD classification. Its maximum sustained winds are expected to range from 118 kmph to 221 kmph. It ranks as the second-highest category of cyclone intensity. This classification matters because stronger winds can create greater risks for coastal communities, buildings, transport, and essential services. A severe cyclonic storm is one category lower. Its sustained winds range from 89 kmph to 117 kmph. The article compares the developing storm with last year’s Montha, which was classified as a severe cyclonic storm. This storm is forecast to strengthen beyond that category as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast. The storm is expected to reach the coast with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph. The forecast classification explains why the IMD issued red alerts and why officials are preparing for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding.

What is a “very severe cyclonic storm” in the IMD’s classification, and how is it different from a “severe cyclonic storm”?

A severe cyclonic storm is one category lower. Its sustained winds range from 89 kmph to 117 kmph. The article compares the developing storm with last year’s Montha, which was classified as a severe cyclonic storm. This storm is forecast to strengthen beyond that category as it approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast.

The storm is expected to reach the coast with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph. The forecast classification explains why the IMD issued red alerts and why officials are preparing for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding.

How strong is this storm expected to be, in terms of wind speed, and how does that compare with last year’s Montha?

The developing storm is expected to become much stronger than last year’s Montha. The IMD says it may become a very severe cyclonic storm, whose maximum sustained winds generally range from 118 kmph to 221 kmph. Near landfall, the forecast gives sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.

The article records a much lower wind speed during Montha. Machilipatnam measured 65 kmph during that storm. Weather experts said winds in the current system may rise to 130 kmph. That comparison shows why the present storm is expected to pose a more serious wind threat.

Wind speeds can vary by location and by whether they are sustained or gusts. The storm’s forecast intensity is therefore described using both measures. Andhra Pradesh is preparing for the stronger conditions expected around October 28, when the system may cross the coast.

When and where is the cyclone expected to make landfall, and which parts of Andhra Pradesh are under red alert?

The cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts around October 28 noon. The predicted crossing zone lies between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. At that time, it may be a very severe cyclonic storm, carrying sustained winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph.

The IMD has issued a red alert for 13 districts because isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected. Krishna and Bapatla are under red alert for October 27. On October 28, the alert covers Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Guntur, and Bapatla.

Light showers may begin on October 25 and 26. Cyclone-related rainfall is expected to increase from October 27. The alert area and timing may guide evacuation, emergency response, travel decisions, and protection of vulnerable communities.

What could happen because of the cyclone’s heavy rain and strong winds, especially in low-lying and coastal areas?

The cyclone could bring extremely heavy rainfall and damaging winds to parts of Andhra Pradesh. In low-lying and coastal areas, intense rain can overwhelm drainage and cause water levels to rise quickly. Strong winds can damage buildings, trees, power lines, roads, and other infrastructure. Coastal communities may face especially difficult conditions near the projected crossing zone.

The article expects cyclone-induced rainfall to increase from October 27. It also reports that isolated extremely heavy rainfall is expected in the red-alert districts. Earlier, Simhadripuram recorded 81.5 mm and Malapuram recorded 74.5 mm, showing that substantial rain had already occurred in parts of the State.

The precise local effects will depend on rainfall totals, drainage, terrain, and wind exposure. However, the forecast prompted the Chief Minister to order precautionary measures and a comprehensive flood-management plan. Water conservation is also important because heavy rainfall can rapidly affect reservoirs, waterways, and communities.

What roles do the IMD and the Andhra Pradesh government play in forecasting the storm and protecting people from it?

The IMD provides the scientific warning system. It identified the low-pressure area, recorded its development into a depression, and forecast its likely strengthening, movement, rainfall, wind speed, and landfall. Its bulletin also issued red alerts for districts facing extremely heavy rain. These warnings give authorities time to organize preparations before dangerous weather arrives.

The forecast describes a sequence from low-pressure area to depression, deep depression, cyclonic storm, severe cyclonic storm, and very severe cyclonic storm. It also places the system at specific distances from the Andaman Islands and Andhra Pradesh coast. These details help officials focus resources on the most threatened locations.

The Andhra Pradesh government turns forecasts into protective action. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain alert and take precautionary measures. He also called for a comprehensive flood-management and water-conservation plan. District administrations can use this preparation to protect residents, infrastructure, water systems, and emergency services.

Why is the government preparing a flood-management and water-conservation plan before the cyclone arrives?

The government is preparing before arrival because the forecast points to a rapidly intensifying storm. The system may become very severe and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast with winds of 115–125 kmph. It is also expected to produce isolated extremely heavy rainfall in several districts. Such conditions can quickly overwhelm drains, streams, reservoirs, and low-lying settlements.

The article reports that rainfall activity is expected to increase from October 27. It also records 81.5 mm at Simhadripuram and 74.5 mm at Malapuram during part of Saturday. These figures show the potential for significant rain in the State. A flood-management plan can help officials prepare drainage, warnings, response teams, and water storage.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called for both flood management and water conservation. The two goals address different stages of the event. Authorities must manage excess water safely during intense rain, while conserving usable water and protecting supplies afterward. Early planning gives officials more time to act.

How can a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal develop into a powerful cyclone, and what atmospheric conditions make that intensification possible?

A low-pressure area is a region where air pressure is lower than nearby areas. Over warm tropical seas, evaporation supplies moist air. As that air rises and releases heat, pressure can fall further. Air then flows toward the center, creating stronger circulation. If the system stays over warm water and loses little energy, it can develop through depression and storm stages.

Atmospheric conditions also matter. Weak vertical wind shear helps the circulation remain organized instead of being torn apart. Moist air through the lower and middle atmosphere supports thunderstorms around the center. These are established meteorological mechanisms that can allow a tropical disturbance to intensify.

The article records this system’s observed progression. A well-marked low-pressure area formed on Saturday morning and concentrated into a depression by evening. The IMD forecast a deep depression, then a cyclonic storm, a severe cyclonic storm, and finally a very severe cyclonic storm near Andhra Pradesh around October 28.

This brief was written by AI from the original reporting and checked by other models. Names, figures and quotes come from the source; read it for full context.