Cyclone to cross Andhra coast on October 28; people in low-lying areas from Bapatla to Vizianagaram to be evacuated

The system is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. The expected timing is the forenoon of October 28, 2026. This matters because the storm could bring destructive winds and heavy rain across a long stretch of coastline.

The IMD said the depression was about 880 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam on October 25. It was expected to become a cyclonic storm by October 26, a severe cyclonic storm by October 27, and then intensify further before reaching the coast.

The forecast track points toward several coastal districts, from Bapatla northward to Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. Red warnings for extremely heavy rain were issued for October 27 and 28. Authorities are preparing evacuations, while fishermen who are at sea have been asked to return to shore.

A very severe cyclonic storm is an intense tropical weather system with sustained winds of about 118 to 166 kmph under India Meteorological Department classifications. It is stronger than a depression and stronger than an ordinary cyclonic storm. Stronger winds mean a greater risk of structural damage, fallen trees, storm surge and dangerous conditions at sea.

The stages describe increasing wind strength and organisation. A depression has sustained winds of about 31 to 49 kmph. A cyclonic storm reaches about 62 to 88 kmph, while a severe cyclonic storm reaches about 89 to 117 kmph. A very severe cyclonic storm begins at about 118 kmph.

The article reports that the system was a depression on October 25. The IMD expected it to become a cyclonic storm by October 26, a severe cyclonic storm by October 27, and a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the coast on October 28.

The cyclone is expected to bring maximum sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph. Gusts could reach 140 kmph when it crosses the coast. Winds at this strength can damage roofs, power lines, trees and weak buildings, especially in exposed coastal areas.

The expected impact is not limited to the exact landfall point. APSDMA identified Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts. These areas may face a combination of powerful winds, very heavy rain and coastal hazards.

Rainfall activity was expected to increase from October 27, with red warnings for extremely heavy rain on October 27 and 28. Tirupati and SPSR Nellore were expected to see less impact, although officials said more clarity would come after the cyclone formed. The final effects will depend on the storm’s track and strength.

People in low-lying areas and kutcha houses are being evacuated because the cyclone may combine extremely heavy rain with winds of 115 to 125 kmph. Low-lying locations can flood when intense rain falls or coastal water moves inland. Kutcha houses are less able to withstand strong winds and may collapse or lose roofs.

The article identifies a wide coastal belt from Bapatla to Vizianagaram for possible evacuation. Residents would be moved to shelters before conditions become dangerous. The storm is expected to cross between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, while red warnings cover October 27 and 28.

Remaining in exposed places could leave people trapped by rising water, falling debris or blocked roads. Strong gusts can damage homes, trees and electrical lines. Early evacuation gives emergency teams more time to move residents safely and reduces pressure on rescue operations during the storm.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority is coordinating preparations for landfall. APSDMA is identifying vulnerable residents, arranging shelter evacuations and assessing which districts may be affected. Its Managing Director, Prakhar Jain, said people in low-lying areas and kutcha houses would be evacuated.

The State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force provide trained emergency personnel. They can support evacuations, rescue people, respond to flooding and assist communities during and after the storm. Andhra Pradesh has 12 SDRF battalions and seven NDRF battalions available, according to the article.

The State has also asked for three additional NDRF battalions. The request reflects the storm’s expected strength and broad impact area. Coordination matters because the cyclone may affect districts from Bapatla through Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, while heavy rain and strong winds could disrupt roads, homes and essential services.

A tropical weather system develops as thunderstorms gather around a low-pressure centre. If the circulation becomes better organised and sustained winds increase, meteorologists classify it as a depression, then a cyclonic storm, a severe cyclonic storm and, at higher speeds, a very severe cyclonic storm. Each step signals a stronger and more dangerous system.

In this case, the IMD said the depression would intensify into a deep depression and recurve west-northwestward. It was expected to become a cyclonic storm by October 26, a severe cyclonic storm by October 27, and a very severe cyclonic storm near the Andhra coast on October 28.

The forecast landfall winds were 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts to 140 kmph. Warm ocean water, moist air and low wind disruption generally help such systems intensify, while movement over land or cooler water weakens them. The article specifically tracks the system’s changing category, position and direction.

The Bay of Bengal can produce powerful cyclones when its surface waters are warm enough to supply heat and moisture to rising air. Moist air fuels thunderstorms around a developing low-pressure centre. If winds at different heights do not disrupt the circulation, the system can become more organised and intensify.

Other helpful conditions include a broad ocean area, strong thunderstorms and an upper-air pattern that allows air to spread outward above the storm. This removes air from the centre and supports rising motion below. These are established weather principles, but the article itself focuses on the storm’s forecast track and development rather than explaining why the bay produces cyclones.

For this system, the IMD forecast strengthening from a depression on October 25 to a very severe cyclonic storm near the Andhra coast on October 28. The expected intensity depended on how the system evolved while moving across the central Bay of Bengal.