In its weather report, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati Centre, has issued a six-day heavy rainfall alert for Andhra Pradesh (AP), warning of widespread rain, thunderstorms and strong winds over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), Yanam and Rayalaseema regions till October 29.
According to the weather bulletin released by the Meteorological Centre in Amaravati on Thursday, heavy rain is likely at isolated places in NCAP, SCAP and Rayalaseema on October 24 and 25, accompanied by thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.
The IMD centre forecast an increase in rainfall intensity starting October 26, with heavy to very heavy showers expected over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. IMD also warned that strong winds, with speeds gusting up to 50 kmph, may occur in parts of the coastal belt.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Disaster Management Authority, said that the low-pressure area formed over the Southeast Bay of Bengal has been moving slowly in a west-northwest direction over the past three hours.
He stated that it is likely to intensify into a depression over the Southeast and adjoining Central Bay of Bengal by tomorrow, further strengthening into a deep depression by Sunday. By Monday morning, it may intensify into a cyclone over the Southwest and adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal, he added.
Extremely heavy rainfall expected on October 27–28 in AP
A red alert has been sounded for October 27 and 28, with the IMD predicting extremely heavy rainfall over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, especially in districts like Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla and Guntur. Very heavy rains are also likely over North Coastal Andhra districts including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, along with parts of Rayalaseema covering Kadapa, Tirupati and Kurnool. The IMD also warned of squally winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph during this period.
On October 29, heavy rainfall is likely to continue in isolated regions of NCAP, SCAP and Rayalaseema. The IMD expects weather conditions to improve from October 30, with no significant rainfall in the forecast.
The IMD has advised the public to remain cautious and avoid open areas during thunderstorms. It has also urged fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Andhra coast due to strong sea winds. The Meteorological Centre, Amaravati, has advised farmers to secure their crops and take necessary agricultural precautions to prevent damage.
The IMD Centre has also alerted local authorities and disaster management teams to monitor the situation and implement preventive measures in low-lying and flood-prone areas. The Director of the Centre issued the bulletin and urged the public to stay updated by following regular weather reports and advisories.
