Depression over Bay to bring heavy rain, gusty winds to north coastal Andhra

A depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coast is expected to bring widespread rainfall, gusty winds and rough sea conditions across north coastal Andhra Pradesh over the next two days, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue heavy rainfall and fishermen warnings. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has also placed the North Coastal Andhra Pradesh region on high alert in view of the developing weather system.

According to the Cyclone Warning Centre, Visakhapatnam, the well-marked low-pressure area intensified into a Depression on Sunday morning. At 8.30 a.m., it was centred over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the north Odisha-West Bengal coasts near latitude 21.1°N and longitude 87.2°E, about 50 km south-southeast of Balasore, 60 km northeast of Chandbali and 60 km south-southwest of Digha. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and cross the north Odisha coast between Chandbali and Digha, close to Balasore, during the next 24 hours before continuing west-northwestwards across north Odisha and north Chhattisgarh during the subsequent 24 hours.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam until Monday morning. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam and Vizianagaram districts, while heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in Alluri Sitharama Raju and Visakhapatnam districts. Rainfall activity is expected to ease thereafter, although isolated to scattered rain or thundershowers are likely to continue over coastal Andhra Pradesh during the remainder of the week.

Parvathipuram in Parvathipuram Manyam district recorded 8 cm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday. Cheepurupalle and Garividi in Vizianagaram district received 7 cm each, while Merakamudidam and Therlam recorded 6 cm each. Several other stations in Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam and Srikakulam districts received between 3 cm and 5 cm.

With squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, likely along and off the north Andhra Pradesh coast and the sea expected to remain rough to very rough, Local Cautionary Signal No. III has been hoisted at Kalingapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, Krishnapatnam and Vadarevu ports. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till July 7. High waves ranging from about 2.8 metres to 3.3 metres are forecast along the Srikakulam and Vizianagaram coasts, while strong ocean currents are expected off the East Godavari, Krishna and West Godavari coasts.

The Cyclone Warning Centre has cautioned that strong winds and heavy rain could break tree branches, uproot small trees, damage plantations, horticultural and standing crops, and affect vulnerable structures. Localised waterlogging and disruptions to road, rail and marine operations are also likely.

“As the Depression is near the Odisha border, the most significant impact will be felt in the northern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. However, all ports across north and south Andhra Pradesh have been advised to exercise caution due to the expected strong winds. We are closely monitoring the situation. If there are any rapid changes, we will promptly issue a fresh bulletin,” said P.L.N. Murthy, Head, Cyclone Warning Centre, Visakhapatnam.

“Fishermen are strictly advised not to venture into the sea,” APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain said. The authority also urged people living in the coastal stretches of Visakhapatnam and neighbouring districts to remain vigilant against strong winds and lightning.

Elsewhere in the State, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and at one or two places over Rayalaseema, where strong surface winds of 40-50 kmph are expected at isolated places.

Rainfall activity is expected to ease from Monday, with no heavy rainfall warnings issued for the remainder of the five-day forecast period, although thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam until Wednesday.