Chennai: The deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into Cyclone Mondha, which is now forecast to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued high alerts for the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, while Tamil Nadu, particularly its northern districts, braces for heavy rainfall as a direct consequence of the system.
The cyclone, which formed ahead of schedule on Sunday night, is currently centered approximately 640 km from Chennai. It has shown a significant increase in pace, now moving at 13 kmph. The IMD’s trajectory indicates a northwesterly path, with the system expected to cross the coast between Masulipatnam and Kalingapattinam, near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, by tomorrow evening or night. The landfall is predicted to bring destructive winds reaching speeds of up to 100 kmph.
Cyclone Montha Forms: Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Put on High Alert
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have issued a high alert for the coastal areas, anticipating a severe impact. The region from Ongole to Nellore is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall as the cyclone makes its approach. The primary landfall zone of Kakinada is preparing for the storm’s full force.
The influence of Cyclone Mondha will also be felt further north. The government of Odisha has issued warnings for heavy rain in 15 of its districts and has initiated all necessary preparatory measures to mitigate the storm’s impact. The widespread alerts underscore the significant threat the cyclone poses to the eastern coastline.
Montha Cyclone Effect: Northern Tamil Nadu Districts, Including Chennai, to Receive Heavy Rains
While the core of Cyclone Mondha is headed for Andhra Pradesh, its effect on the intensified northeast monsoon will trigger significant rainfall in Tamil Nadu. Although Chennai has escaped a direct hit, the city and its surrounding districts are not out of the woods. The storm’s formation has heightened rainfall activity across the region.
Private meteorologists, including weather expert Hemachander, have predicted that heavy rains are likely to commence from late morning today and persist for the next 24 hours. The forecast indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall in several northern districts. Specifically, areas including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet are likely to receive substantial rainfall, with the possibility of very heavy downpours at one or two places in Chennai and Tiruvallur. After a consistently cloudy Sunday, the region is now set to experience the full brunt of the monsoon-fueled deluge.