Cyclone Montha landfall: Path, affected states, wind speed - all your questions answered

NEW DELHI: The severe cyclonic storm Montha is steadily advancing toward the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall near Kakinada around midnight on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The storm, currently over the west-central Bay of Bengal , is likely to intensify into a “severe cyclonic storm” with wind speeds of 90–100 kmph and gusts up to 110 kmph before crossing the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam.

"The SCS Montha moved north-northwestwards and at 1430 hrs IST of 28th Oct, it lay about 70 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam, 150km south-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 250 km south-southwest of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 480 km south-southwest of Gopalpur (Odisha)," the IMD said in a post on X.

1. What is Cyclone Montha ?

• Cyclone Montha is a severe cyclonic storm forming over the southeast / west–central Bay of Bengal, with landfall expected along India’s east coast around late October 28 2025.
• The name "Montha" was given by Thailand; in Thai it means a "fragrant flower" or "beautiful flower."
• The system was initially a deep depression, then a cyclonic storm, and is now forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm with sustained winds nearing 90–110 km/h, gusting higher.

2. When & where will it hit?

• Landfall is expected between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.
• Timing: late evening or night of October 28 2025.
• Before landfall, coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states like Odisha will experience heavy rain, strong winds and high tide surges.

3. Key forecasted impacts

Winds and rain:

• Wind speeds: 90–100 km/h sustained, with gusts up to 110 km/h.
• Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected along coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu , and adjacent inland areas from Oct 27–30.

Areas affected:

• Coastal Andhra districts (Kakinada, Machilipatnam, East/West Godavari).
• Southern Odisha (Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput).
• Northern Tamil Nadu (Chennai region), Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka may also see rain and gusty winds.

What you should do (If you're in a risk zone)

If you are in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana or coastal districts:

Avoid all travel and stay indoors if possible.

Keep a battery-operated torch, first-aid kit and essential medicines ready.

Move to higher ground if you’re in low-lying or coastal villages.

Secure loose objects outdoors (roof sheets, furniture) and unplug electrical appliances.

Don’t go to the sea or stand near beaches during high tide or heavy winds.

Follow local alerts, stay tuned to IMD bulletins and government advisories.