Bhubaneswar: The landfall process of Cyclone Montha has commenced, according to the latest observations by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The severe cyclonic storm is expected to continue its north-northwestward movement and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, within the next 3-4 hours.
As of 5:30 pm, the cyclone was centred near latitude 16.0°N and longitude 82.3°E, approximately 20 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 110 km south of Kakinada, 220 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam, and 460 km southwest of Gopalpur.
The cyclone is expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. The IMD has issued warnings for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges in the affected areas. The authorities have taken precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
