Cyclone Montha Makes Landfall in Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone Montha made a late Tuesday night landfall near Narasapur, south of Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam along the Andhra Pradesh coast, causing heavy rains and strong winds. The storm's landfall process lasted nearly five hours, with wind speeds reaching 90-100 kmph and gusts touching up to 110 kmph. The storm's altered path spared Odisha from severe weather, though southern districts experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.

Key Takeaways:

• Cyclone Montha made landfall near Narasapur, south of Kakinada, between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
• The landfall process began around 11:30 pm and continued until 4:30 am, lasting nearly five hours.
• Wind speeds reached 90-100 kmph, with gusts touching up to 110 kmph.
• Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds battered several coastal areas, including Machilipatnam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Bapatla, Kavali, Ulavapadu, and Nellore.
• Rough sea conditions were reported as high tidal waves breached the shore in many areas.
• The storm's remnants have now moved inland, bringing widespread rain over interior Andhra Pradesh.
• Despite the intensity of the system, the cyclone did not cause large-scale destruction as initially feared.
• Authorities in both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha continue to monitor the situation closely as Montha weakens while moving northwestward inland.
• The cyclone's impact on Odisha has been limited, with southern districts experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall.

Statistics:

• The landfall process lasted nearly five hours.
• Wind speeds reached 90-100 kmph, with gusts touching up to 110 kmph.
• Heavy rains battered several coastal areas, including Machilipatnam, Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Bapatla, Kavali, Ulavapadu, and Nellore.
• The storm's remnants have now moved inland, bringing widespread rain over interior Andhra Pradesh.

Sources:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• Orissa TV