Cyclone Montha Set to Batter Andhra Pradesh Coast with Severe Force

Cyclone Montha is poised to evolve into a 'Severe Cyclonic Storm' predicted to strike the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the evening of October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone's trajectory is expected to move north-northwestwards, intensifying by October 28 morning.

The IMD reports that the storm, currently over the Southwest and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal, has been moving north-northwestwards at 17 kmph over the last six hours. It is currently positioned 440 km east of Chennai, 490 km south-southeast of Kakinada, and 710 km south-southwest of Gopalpur.

Forecasts suggest a maximum wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre warns of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in coastal districts, with conditions easing post-October 29. The East Coast Railway has preemptively canceled several train services, prioritizing passenger safety amid the storm warnings.