Severe cyclonic storm, Helen, which has formed over the west-central Bay of Bengal has moved slightly northwards, says India Meteorological Department (IMD).
It is now expected to cross the southern Andhra coast of Machillipatnam in Krishna district around tomorrow afternoon or evening. The cyclone is now located 240 km east-southeast of Machillipatnam and 350 km east-northeast of Ongole in Prakasam district.
The speed of the wind is gradually increasing to 100-110 km/hr and at the time of crossing it will go up to 120 km/hr. By November 23, the storm is expected to lose its severity and its speed will fall to 85 -95 km/hr.
Under its influence, most of the places on the coast will get heavy to very heavy rains. A few places will get isolated and extremely heavy rainfall ( 25cm or more) during 48 hours starting tonight. Moderate rainfall would occur at many places over south Odisha, too.
Storm surges of about 1 - 1.5m height would inundate the low lying areas of Guntur, Krishna, west and east Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh at the time of landfall.