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Cyclone Montha Likely to Intensify into Severe Cyclonic Storm Cyclone Montha, swirling over the Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday morning, October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is expected to bring widespread rainfall, gusty winds, and rough sea conditions across the eastern coast, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal.Cyclone Montha’s Current Position and MovementAs of 5.30 am on Monday, the weather system was located over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, moving northwestwards at 15 kmph.The IMD said the cyclone lay centred at latitude 12.2°N and longitude 85.3°E, approximately:560 km east-southeast of Chennai,620 km south-southeast of Kakinada,650 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam,790 km south of Gopalpur (Odisha), and810 km west of Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).Read more: Cyclone Montha: How did the storm get its name and what does it mean?Rainfall Predicted in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and BengalThe IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several states as the cyclone advances northwards:Live EventsAndhra Pradesh: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Kakinada, Konaseema, West Godavari, Krishna, Bapatla, Prakasam, and Nellore districts.Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, and Parvatipuram Manyam may also experience intense rain and strong winds reaching up to 110 kmph near the coast.Tamil Nadu: Coastal districts such as Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Thoothukudi are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph.Odisha: Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, and Gopalpur regions are likely to experience heavy rain and squally winds from Monday night as the cyclone moves north-northwestwards.West Bengal: South coastal districts, particularly Kolkata, East Midnapore, and South 24 Parganas, could witness light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers by October 29 as the storm’s outer bands spread northwards.IMD Warning: Cyclone to Cross Andhra Coast by October 28 EveningCyclone Montha is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on Monday evening or night, as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained winds of 100–110 kmph.Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea, as conditions over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal are expected to be very rough to high.Authorities Urge Caution Across Coastal StatesThe Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) and district administrations in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow official weather alerts.Disaster response teams have been deployed in vulnerable coastal regions, and local administrations are preparing for possible power outages, waterlogging, and strong wind damage.What’s Next for Cyclone Montha?The cyclone is expected to weaken gradually after landfall but may continue to bring rainfall to interior regions of Odisha, Jharkhand, and southern Bengal on October 29–30.The IMD will issue updated warnings every few hours as the system progresses.Train Services Cancelled as Precautionary MeasureIn view of the imminent cyclone and in the interest of passenger safety, the South Central Railway (SCR) has announced the cancellation of several train services operating in the affected regions.According to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of South Central Railway, a few trains have been cancelled or rescheduled due to expected heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the possibility of track obstructions.Railway officials said restoration efforts would be taken up immediately once weather conditions improve.Passengers are advised to check the latest train status through official Indian Railways channels, such as NTES (National Train Enquiry System) or the IRCTC website and app, before commencing travel.Flights Likely to Face Delays or CancellationsSeveral airlines are expected to face flight delays and possible cancellations on October 28 and 29 as Cyclone Montha moves closer to the east coast. The extent of disruption will depend on the cyclone’s trajectory and its impact on wind speed and visibility.Airport authorities have been directed to closely monitor weather conditions and suspend operations temporarily if passenger safety is at risk. Travellers are strongly advised to reconfirm their flight schedules before leaving for the airport and to follow official airline websites and social media handles for real-time updates.Authorities Urge Public to Avoid TravelThe Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) and other coastal administrations have urged the public to avoid non-essential travel until the weather stabilises.Emergency helplines have been activated, and disaster response teams are on standby across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha to handle any disruptions caused by the storm.Inputs from agenciesAdd as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! 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