Cyclone Roanu may hit Odisha, Andhra; alert sounded

A deep depression formed in the Bay of Bengal is feared to create cyclonic conditions over the east-south-east coastal regions of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The depression has finally concentrated into the cyclonic storm Roanu during the early morning hours today.

The system is presently about 125 km east-southeast of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

It is likely to move north-eastwards along the coasts during the next 48 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Officials have alerted locals to prepare for the storm in advance in view of the 2013 Cyclone Phailin and the 2014 Cyclone Hudhud that hit the coastal region and caused much havoc.

The Odisha coastal areas are expected to receive light to heavy showers and thunderstorms while light to extremely heavy rain is expected over Andhra Pradesh coastal areas.

Fishermen have also been warned to stay away from the coast as the sea will remain rough.

Some parts of the states have already witnessed record breaking 3-digit rainfall during last 24 hours.

Places such as Ongole, Bapatla, Machilipatnam, Narsapur, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Kalingapatnam, Gopalpur and Paradip will see very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during next 24 hours.

High-velocity winds of damaging potential will be blowing over the entire coastal region. Sea conditions will be rough and locals and fishermen are advised against venturing out in the sea.

Andhra Pradesh is likely to witness far more severe weather activity than in Tamil Nadu, according to skymetweather.com