Cyclone Montha: IMD issues heavy rain alert for eastern states as storm expected to "intensify"

A heavy rain alert was issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday, due to a deep depression that formed over the Bay of Bengal, which intensified into a cyclonic storm. Named as "Montha", the cyclone is expected to turn "severe" as it hits the coast by October 28. 

#WATCH | Dark clouds over Puducherry as a result of cyclonic storm named 'Montha' over the Bay of Bengal

The cyclonic storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday evening or night, potentially bringing strong winds and heavy rain to coastal areas of Tamil Nadu… pic.twitter.com/GPo6L6J6IZ

— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2025

Following Montha's movement near the coast, parts of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have been warned of heavy rains by the IMD. Moreover, if it intensifies further by October 28, the states might have to implement emergency and disaster management measures. 

Regions including Vishakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and West Godavari are expected to be the most affected by the cyclone. A two-day holiday has been declared in these districts, while schools are shut down in the entire Andhra Pradesh. 

An orange alert has also been issued for various districts in Tamil Nadu, such as Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, as the storm approaches the coast. 

About Montha

Montha is expected to move at a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph, crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada by the evening or night of October 28. 

As per the latest update released by the IMD, Montha is likely moving in the northwest direction over the southwest and the adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal within the next 12 hours. It has already been continuing at a speed of 15 kmph for the past six hours.  

A red alert is active for parts of Andhra Pradesh, which include Kakinada, Kona Seema, Eluru, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Baptala, Prakasam, and SPSR Nellor districts. 

The Indian Army is also on high alert right now. ANI reported, "The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and respective state governments.  

Scattered rainfall is also expected in the Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region).