The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert as the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a cyclonic storm named Montha, likely to impact India’s eastern coast in the coming days. The system is expected to bring extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds to several states.

According to IMD, Cyclone Montha is projected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 26 and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada — between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam — during the evening or night of October 28.

Heavy rainfall alert for Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain between October 27 and 28, particularly across Yanam and Rayalaseema regions. The IMD has also issued a yellow warning for October 26 across the state in view of the approaching system.

Wind speeds are likely to reach 60–70 km/h, with gusts up to 80 km/h, posing risks of localized flooding and power disruptions in coastal districts.

Odisha likely to be hit next

Cyclone Montha will also impact southern and coastal Odisha. Districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 28 and 29.
Authorities have been advised to stay on alert for waterlogging, damage to crops, and possible landslides in hilly regions.

Rains in Tamil Nadu ahead of cyclone impact

In Tamil Nadu, moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning is predicted over Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam districts on October 26.
Light to moderate rain is also likely over Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram.

  • October 25–26: Heavy showers are likely in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Chengalpet, and Puducherry, spreading to Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet.
  • October 27: Intense rainfall is expected in Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, Vellore, and Chennai.
  • October 28: Rains will gradually subside, remaining heavy in Tiruvallur and Ranipet districts.

Current status of Cyclone Montha

As per the latest IMD update, the depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has moved slightly west-northwestward at 8 km/h in the past six hours.

“As of 11:30 pm on October 25, it was centred near latitude 11.0°N and longitude 87.7°E — about 550 km west of Port Blair, 850 km east-southeast of Chennai, and 890 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and Kakinada,” the IMD said.

The weather agency continues to monitor the system’s trajectory closely and has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until conditions improve.

What to expect

Cyclone Montha is likely to bring:

  • Extremely heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra, Odisha, and north Tamil Nadu
  • Strong winds (up to 80 km/h) along the coast
  • Possible storm surges and local flooding in low-lying areas

Residents in vulnerable districts have been urged to stay indoors during heavy rainfall, secure loose objects, and follow IMD advisories and local administration updates.