Cyclone likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28
Amaravati, Oct 25 (TNT): A severe cyclonic system is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall forecast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the forenoon of October 28, according to a forecast reviewed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday.
The system is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26, with wind speeds of 80–90 kmph, and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by night, with winds of 95–105 kmph.
By 1130 hours on October 27, it is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 115–125 kmph.
It is expected to be near the Andhra Pradesh coast by 0530 hours on October 28, with similar wind speeds.
The forecast indicates that the system could cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam during the forenoon of October 28, with wind speeds of 105–125 kmph, before weakening inland over Alluri Sitharama Raju district by night.
The Konaseema–Kakinada–Yanam coastal stretch has been identified as particularly vulnerable, with Kakinada Bay, Uppada and Tuni likely to be on the cyclone’s dangerous right-hand side.
The forecast track and intensity were presented during a review by the Chief Minister on October 25.
The cyclone’s track and intensity may change with subsequent updates from the India Meteorological Department.
TNT KM
