Depression in Bay of Bengal to intensify, to cross coast between

The India Meteorological Department has said the depression over the Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a deep depression before crossing the north Andhra Pradesh, South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur during the night of September 23 and the early hours of September 24.

IMD tracks system near Odisha-Andhra coast

The IMD issued the update in a special bulletin from the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to the bulletin, the depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal had moved west-northwestward at about 18 km/h during the previous six hours.

At 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the system was centred near latitude 17.9° N and longitude 86.0° E.

The IMD placed it approximately 200 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha, 200 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 210 km south of Puri in Odisha, and 290 km east of Visakhapatnam.

The system is very likely to move west-northwestward and intensify into a deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal during the next 12 hours, the IMD stated.

The forecast matters for coastal Andhra Pradesh because the expected crossing zone lies between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, while rain and marine warnings have already been issued for several districts and ports.

School holidays declared in four districts

In view of the weather conditions, holidays have been declared for schools in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Srikakulam, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts on Wednesday.

The decision came as Uttar Andhra received widespread rains on Tuesday while the depression continued to move over the Bay of Bengal.

The holiday order covers districts that are either coastal or include areas affected by the rainfall reported during the day.

Srikakulam sees heavy spells

Srikakulam district recorded some of the highest rainfall in Uttarandhra.

Palasa received 100 mm of rainfall between 8.30 a.m. and 6 p.m., according to data available on government weather platforms.

Water overflowed onto roads in several parts of Palasa and Kasibugga, causing difficulties for traders and commuters near the Railway Gate, Kasibugga Junction, and Chinabadam areas.

Tekkali, Santhabommali, Naupada, Srikakulam Rural, Kotabommali, and Mandasa also received substantial rainfall.

The rainfall in Srikakulam formed part of the wider wet spell reported across Uttarandhra as the system remained over the Bay of Bengal.

Rain affects Visakhapatnam traffic

In Visakhapatnam district, Madhurawada recorded the highest rainfall at 66 mm.

Gambheeram followed with 63 mm, while Padmanabham recorded 61 mm.

Several parts of Visakhapatnam city, including Seethammadhara, Dairy Farm, Sheela Nagar, and Gajuwaka, also experienced steady rain.

The showers affected traffic movement in several areas, and motorists had to navigate waterlogged and wet roads.

The rainfall in Visakhapatnam is significant because the district is among those where school holidays were declared for Wednesday in view of the weather conditions.

Vizianagaram and Agency areas report rain

In Vizianagaram district, Bhogapuram recorded 63 mm of rainfall, the highest in the district till 6 p.m.

Poosapatirega, Denkada and Nellimerla also received more than 50 mm.

The Agency areas also received good rainfall.

Araku, Paderu, Pedabayalu, and Dumbriguda recorded more than 50 mm of rain on Tuesday morning.

The continuous showers brought cool and breezy weather to the Agency areas.

The rain also enhanced the scenic conditions in the hill region, according to the reported conditions from the Agency areas.

Fishermen warned, ports display caution signal

The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Andhra Pradesh coast till September 25.

The sea is likely to remain very rough till September 24.

Local Cautionary Signal No. III has been kept hoisted at Kalingapatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram and Kakinada ports.

The marine warning adds to the significance of the forecast because the system is expected to intensify over the Bay of Bengal before crossing the coast.

The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall in isolated places in Kakinada-Yanam, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna, YSR Kadapa, Kurnool, and Nandyal districts.

Home and Disaster Management Minister V. Anitha directed officials in all districts to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures in light of the approaching weather system.

The official directions, school closures, fishing advisory and port signals together reflect the precautionary measures being taken as the depression is expected to intensify and move toward the north Andhra Pradesh, South Odisha coast.

Source: The Hindu