Cyclone Crosses Bay of Bengal, Brings Heavy Rain to the Coast
Heavy rains are pounding Andhra Pradesh as a deep cyclonic system formed in the Bay of Bengal crossed the Odisha coast near Gopalpur on Thursday evening, according to the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority. The system is moving in a north-northeasterly direction and is expected to weaken gradually by Friday morning. As it nears the mainland, districts along the northern and eastern shores face the impact of heavy downpours and strong winds.
Forecast for North Andhra and Surrounding Districts
Officials say the most intense rainfall will likely affect parts of North Andhra, with isolated pockets possibly receiving heavy downpours. The Andhra Pradesh Weather Center and disaster management authorities have issued warnings for a mix of heavy to moderate rains across several districts. Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari and Eluru are all in the expected rainfall zone, with some areas seeing heavier showers than others.
School Holidays Announced in Parvatipuram Manyam
In response to the evolving weather situation, Parvatipuram Manyam district administration announced a holiday for Friday for all schools in the district. The district education office stated that classes would be suspended to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the heavy rains and wind. Similar calls are being discussed in other districts, though formal orders are still pending in several areas as authorities assess the latest forecast and ground conditions.
Safety Advisories and Emergency Contacts
The Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority cautions residents along the coast to stay indoors during periods of strong wind, which could gust to 40 to 60 km/h along coastal belts. People are advised to avoid trees and structures that look unstable or are damaged and to stay away from hoardings and flood-prone zones. For emergencies or assistance, citizens can call the toll-free numbers 112, 1070, or 18004250101. Officials emphasize regular updates from district administrations and weather offices.
24-Hour Outlook and Flood Risk
Weather officials predict heavy rainfall in Srikakulam, Parvatipuram Manyam, and Vizianagaram districts over the next 24 hours, with a heightened risk of flash floods in susceptible pockets. The forecast also indicates that winds along the coastline could sustain strong speeds, potentially leading to rough seas and waterlogging in low-lying areas. People in flood-prone localities are urged to remain vigilant and avoid crossing waterlogged roads.
Government Response and Public Messaging
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu conducted a video conference with district collectors to review the evolving weather situation. He instructed authorities to ensure uninterrupted power supply, keep control rooms fully operational, and be prepared to deploy relief and rescue teams as needed. The government has called for proactive communication with the public to minimize disruption to daily life and prevent casualties. Deputies and disaster teams are on standby to coordinate evacuation if conditions worsen.
Impact on Infrastructure and Daily Life
Across several districts, reports describe downed trees, waterlogging, and sporadic disruptions to electricity and road transport due to the heavy rains and gusty winds. Some areas have seen temporary road blockages and minor damage to overhead lines. Local authorities are prioritizing restoration work while advising residents to plan travel carefully and stay away from exposed, unstable areas as the system moves inland.
What to Expect Next
As the system progresses, meteorologists expect the intensity of rainfall to taper in some parts by Friday afternoon, but the coastal belt will continue to be unsettled with intermittent heavy showers possible in pockets. Officials will monitor the situation closely and issue fresh advisories as necessary. The public is urged to continue following official channels for weather updates and district-level notices regarding school timings and public services.
