Bhubaneswar/Amaravati, October 25, 2026: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up disaster preparedness as a depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal strengthens and moves toward India’s eastern coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the system to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26, a severe cyclonic storm by October 27 and potentially a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.
The developing weather system has prompted warnings for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, strong winds, rough seas and possible disruption across coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Odisha.
Depression Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
According to IMD’s latest bulletin, the depression was positioned over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal late on October 24.
At 11:30 pm, it was around 860 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 950 km east-southeast of Kakinada and more than 1,000 km east of Machilipatnam.
System Expected to Strengthen Rapidly
IMD expects the depression to strengthen into a deep depression on October 25 before gradually turning west-northwestward.
It is then forecast to become a cyclonic storm over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Possible by October 27
The weather department expects further intensification as the system approaches the Indian coast.
It is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm around the morning of October 27, according to IMD’s latest forecast.
Landfall Forecast Between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam
IMD currently expects the cyclone to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
Landfall is forecast by the forenoon of October 28, although the exact track and intensity could still change as the system develops.
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm at Landfall
The system could reach the coast as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained winds of around 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph, according to the latest IMD projection.
Authorities have therefore begun preparing for potentially damaging winds, heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and disruption to transport and power infrastructure.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh Faces Extremely Heavy Rain
IMD has issued increasingly serious rainfall warnings for coastal Andhra Pradesh.
For October 27 and October 28, the region is under warnings for extremely heavy rainfall, along with strong surface winds.
Heavy rainfall could increase the risk of urban flooding, waterlogging, landslides in vulnerable terrain and damage to crops.
Odisha Also Braces for Heavy Rain
Odisha is expected to face significant rainfall from the system even though the projected landfall is currently farther south.
IMD has forecast very heavy rain on October 27, extremely heavy rain on October 28 and another spell of very heavy rain on October 29 in parts of the state.
Odisha Government Activates Disaster Machinery
The Odisha government has activated its disaster-management and mitigation systems as the cyclone threat increases.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparedness and directed officials to prioritise prevention of casualties and timely evacuation of vulnerable communities.
Schools and Colleges Shut in Vulnerable Districts
As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres have been ordered closed in five southern Odisha districts vulnerable to the approaching system.
Authorities are monitoring the forecast closely and could expand closures if weather conditions worsen.
President Murmu’s Odisha Visit Postponed
President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled two-day visit to Odisha beginning October 28 has also been postponed because of the cyclone threat.
The decision reflects concerns that severe weather could affect transportation, security arrangements and public movement during the period.
Andhra Pradesh Ports Raise Warning Signals
Several ports along the Andhra Pradesh coast have been placed under cautionary signals.
IMD said Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 had been hoisted at Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam and Krishnapatnam, while advisories were sent to additional ports.
Odisha Ports Also Put on Alert
All Odisha ports have also been advised to hoist Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 as the system strengthens over the Bay of Bengal.
The signal warns vessels and port authorities that disturbed weather exists at sea and could develop further.
Fishermen Advised to Avoid Sea
With sea conditions expected to deteriorate, fishermen are being advised to stay away from the central and northern Bay of Bengal during the cyclone’s intensification.
Those already at sea are being urged to return to the coast before conditions become dangerous.
Strong Winds and Rough Seas Expected
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is already under warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, squally weather and strong surface winds on October 25.
Conditions are expected to worsen progressively as the cyclone moves closer to the coast.
Emergency Teams Put on Standby
State disaster-response agencies are preparing evacuation shelters, relief supplies, emergency communications and rescue personnel in vulnerable districts.
Authorities are also identifying low-lying coastal areas that may need evacuation if IMD’s forecast remains unchanged.
Cyclone Track Still Being Monitored
Although current projections indicate landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, cyclone tracks can shift depending on atmospheric and ocean conditions.
IMD is issuing frequent bulletins, and authorities have urged residents not to rely on unofficial social-media forecasts.
October 27–28 Seen as Critical Period
The most significant deterioration in weather is expected between October 27 and October 28.
During this period, coastal Andhra Pradesh could experience very strong winds and extremely heavy rainfall, while parts of Odisha may also see intense downpours and squally weather.
Authorities Urge Residents to Remain Alert
Residents in coastal and low-lying areas have been advised to follow official alerts, secure loose objects, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and keep essential supplies ready.
The IMD forecast remains subject to further updates as the system strengthens and its exact path becomes clearer.
Source: India Meteorological Department, The Indian Express, PTI
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