Heavy rain forecast in coastal AP

Visakhapatnam: Heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorm accompanied by lighting are likely in coastal Andhra Pradesh in the next 48-hours. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has alerted the state government to be in a state of alert in the next two days, particularly in the north.

According to the IMD, on Thursday and Friday, heavy rain and thunder showers are likely at isolated places in North Andhra. The condition of the sea would rough to very rough in south and the central Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and along and off Andhra Pradesh Coast. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea in the next two days.

"The low pressure over east central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Myanmar coast persists. It is likely to be well-marked and develop into a depression during the next 36-hours. The system is likely to move west north west towards north Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha coasts during in the next two days. State of the sea would be rough,” the IMD said.

Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam Collector Pravin Kumar directed all tehasildars, Revenue Divisional Officers and the line department heads to stay put in their respective headquarters and monitor the situation and take necessary precautions. A command communication centre with 1800-4250-0002 will work 24/7 during the emergency, the Collector said.