The depression in West Central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm Helen and lay centred at 310 kilometres south-southeast of Visakhapatnam. The system would further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours and is likely to cross south coastal Andhra Pradesh between Sriharikota and Ongole close to Kavali by tomorrow night.

Under its influence, rain or thunder showers would occur at many places along coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and north coastal Tamil Nadu, commencing from today evening with isolated heavy to very heavy falls. The sea condition will be rough to very rough with squally winds blowing along and off the coast, reaching 55-65 kms. per hour and gusting up to 75 kms. per hour. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Distant cautionary signal number One has been hoisted at all major ports of Andhra Pradesh.