Depression to bring heavy rain to north coastal Andhra; Srikakulam, Vizianagaram on alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Amaravati has issued an orange alert for north coastal Andhra Pradesh, with a depression over the Bay of Bengal expected to bring heavy rain to the region over the next two days.
The well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression and is expected to strengthen further as it moves towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast. The IMD expects the system to continue moving west-northwestwards and to reach close to the coast by the morning of Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated places on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely at isolated places over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema. Winds of 40 to 60 kmph are expected at isolated places in both regions.
In its colour-coded warnings, the IMD uses orange to signal that authorities should be prepared for possible disruption. People in the affected districts are advised to follow local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during intense spells of rain.
Several places from Srikakulam to Anakapalli have received steady showers since Monday evening, September 21, 2026. In Visakhapatnam, the rain has come as a relief after several days of hot weather, and has raised hopes of better water levels in reservoirs and of recharge for groundwater sources, which have depleted during the city's water crisis.
Rainfall data published on government websites showed good rainfall in several parts of the city on Tuesday morning, including Madhurawada, Gambhiram, Sheela Nagar, Pendurthi, Butchirajupalem (NAD Junction), Padmanabham, Akkireddipalem, Maharanipeta, Kapuluppada and Seethammadhara.
The rain disrupted the morning commute, with waterlogging and slippery roads making it difficult for motorists to reach their workplaces. Schoolchildren made their way to school in raincoats and under umbrellas. The showers also brought the city's pothole-ridden roads into focus.
Districts on alert
The Vizianagaram district administration has set up a control room (08922-236947) in the Collector's office to monitor relief measures during the rain. Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy, Joint Collector S. Sedhu Madhavan and other senior officials directed all district and mandal officials to remain vigilant for the next three days.
In Srikakulam, District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar reviewed the preparedness of officials. The district has a 190-km coastline, from Pydibhimavaram to Ichchapuram on the State's northern border, and is expected to receive more rain. On Tuesday night, he visited several low-lying areas of Srikakulam town, including the APSRTC complex, which is inundated every rainy season, and directed the municipal authorities to clear the drains.
“We directed all revenue and irrigation officials to have coordination in all mandals and provide information to the district administration over the situation in their respective areas. The people living in low lying areas will be shifted to safe places if needed,” Mr. Pundkar said.
Rivers such as the Nagavali and the Vamsadhara are likely to receive large inflows from rain in their catchment areas between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The rain would be welcome in the north Andhra districts, which have a rainfall deficit of about 50% this kharif season.
