Deep depression intensifies over Bay of Bengal, set to cross Andhra-Odisha coast Wednesday night

A depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a deep depression Tuesday evening and is likely to cross the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast on the night of September 23, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The weather system moved west-northwestwards at a speed of about 7 kmph during the six hours preceding 5.30 pm and was centred over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal. It was located about 220 km east of Visakhapatnam, the weather department said.

Landfall Wednesday night

The IMD said the deep depression was expected to continue moving west-northwestwards and cross the coast between Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Gopalpur in Odisha as a deep depression on Wednesday night.

A deep depression is a stronger system than a depression but remains below cyclonic-storm intensity. Its approach to the coast is expected to bring increasingly unsettled weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, to parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The weather department is closely monitoring the system as it approaches the coastline and is expected to issue further updates on its movement and intensity.

Heavy rain warning

Under the influence of the system, the IMD forecast heavy rainfall over parts of Andhra Pradesh between September 22 and 25. Isolated heavy falls are expected over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam as well as Rayalaseema during the period.

The approaching system could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and disruption to road traffic in places experiencing intense spells of rain. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been advised to follow official weather updates and warnings as the deep depression moves closer to land.

The system comes during the final phase of the southwest monsoon season, when the Bay of Bengal can generate weather systems that significantly increase rainfall over the eastern coast and adjoining interior regions.

Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are expected to keep district administrations and emergency-response teams on alert as the system approaches the coast Wednesday.