Andhra Pradesh is preparing for another cyclonic storm following the recent impacts of Cyclones Arnab and Murasu. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Amaravati, a weather system currently over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, potentially making landfall along the North Coastal Andhra Pradesh coast on the night of November 19 or the early hours of November 20.
The system, which began as a low-pressure area on November 13, intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area on Saturday. The IMD forecasts it will become a depression by November 15, a cyclonic storm by November 16, and a severe cyclonic storm by November 18. Coastal regions may see wind speeds increase from 40-50 kmph starting November 15, potentially reaching 105 kmph by November 18.
This upcoming storm follows Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab, which hit near Narsapur on October 28, and Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu, which made landfall near Ongole on November 2. The IMD noted that it is rare for two cyclones to hit within five days, and it has not occurred since 1970 for three consecutive cyclones to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast within one month.
An isolated heavy rainfall alert has been issued for Coastal Andhra Pradesh, with the IMD stating that forecasts will be updated as more clarity emerges.
