The severe cyclonic storm Montha over the Bay of Bengal has moved north-northwestwards and lat about 50 km south-southeast of 50 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, some 139 km south of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its hourly update at 4.30 pm on Tuesday.
According to the IMD, cyclone Montha is expected to cross Andhra Pradesh coast around Kakinada tonight.
The cyclone, which has already intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, is likely to bring maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.
The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, with extremely heavy downpour also likely in isolated areas.
Coastal regions in Odisha, Telangana and Chennai may also experience light to moderate rainfall as the system mo es inland.
Ahead of the cyclone’s liekly landfall tonight, authorities in Andhra Pradesh mobilised NDRF and SDRF teams, preparing hundreds of relief centres.
Thousands of people from low-lying and vulnerable areas have already been evacuated to safer places.
Thr state has set up 1,906 relief camps and 364 school shelters to accommodate residents being evacuated from 1,238 villages vulnerable to gusty winds and heavy rainfall triggered by the cyclone.
The Vijayawada division of the South Central Railway (SCR) has cancelled 54 trains on October 28 and 29 in view of Cyclone Montha.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is continuously monitoring the situation. He directed local administration to remain on high alert and provide every possible assitance to the people in vulnerable areas.