VISAKHAPATNAM: The well-marked low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression by Sunday, and further develop into a cyclonic storm over the central parts of the south and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by the evening of November 16, according to the IMD.
In its bulletin issued on Saturday, the Cyclone Warning Centre, Vizag, stated that the system, which moved northwestwards, was positioned over the southeast Bay of Bengal. It is expected to continue moving northwestwards before intensifying into a depression in 24 hours. Subsequently, it is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm.
The system is forecast to strengthen further, with wind speeds reaching 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph, by the evening of November 16. It is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by November 18 morning, with wind speeds of 85-95 kmph and gusts up to 105 kmph.
The IMD has forecast dry weather across Coastal Andhra, Yanam and Rayalaseema until November 16. Light to moderate rainfall is likely at one or two places over Coastal Andhra and Yanam on November 17. Rainfall is expected to increase from November 18, with light to moderate rain likely at a few places over Coastal Andhra and Yanam. Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in Srikakulam, Manyam, Vizianagaram and ASR districts.
According to rainfall warning, light to moderate rain is likely at many places over Coastal Andhra on November 18, with heavy rainfall at isolated places. On November 19, north Coastal Andhra is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places. Gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely at isolated places over Coastal Andhra and Yanam on November 18.