New cyclonic storm likely to approach Andhra Pradesh coast
The India Meteorological Department expects a system in the Bay of Bengal to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 3.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday that a new cyclonic storm is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 2. This follows Cyclone Arnab, which crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28 and caused five deaths and damage to crops and infrastructure.
The weather system began as a low-pressure area near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and has since become a well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal. The IMD expects the system to strengthen into a depression and eventually a cyclonic storm as it moves west-northwestwards.
The IMD stated the system, which will be identified as Murasu, is expected to reach the Andhra Pradesh coast near the evening of November 2. It is forecast to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur as a severe cyclonic storm in the early hours of November 3, with wind speeds of 100 to 110 kmph.
The weather agency noted the upcoming storm is likely to be weaker than Cyclone Arnab. Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema are bracing for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on November 2 and 3.
Heavy rainfall is also forecast for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until November 5, while Kerala and Mahe may see heavy rain until November 4. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are expected to experience winds of 30-40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph, until November 1.