Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu are bracing for Cyclone Montha, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds across the eastern seaboard. The cyclone, currently a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 27 and further into a severe cyclonic storm by October 28.

As of October 25, the depression was centered approximately 920 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The IMD forecasts that Montha will move west-northwestwards, with a potential landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, on October 28. Wind speeds are expected to reach 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, indicating the likelihood of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and squally winds. Specific areas under Orange Alert include Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Thoothukkudi, Tirunelveli, and Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada in Odisha, and the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam. Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram remain under a Yellow Alert for moderate showers and thunderstorms. Malkangiri, Koraput, Kandhamal, and Khurda in Odisha are also under Yellow Alert. The Rayalaseema region is expected to receive extreme heavy rainfall (over 210mm in 24 hours) on October 27 and 28.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal along the Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Odisha coasts from October 26-29. All ports in Tamil Nadu have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 3. Sea conditions are expected to be "very rough to high," posing risks to marine operations and coastal settlements.

Disaster management teams in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh have been placed on high alert, and control rooms have been activated in coastal districts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned units in vulnerable areas for immediate rescue and relief operations.

Cyclone Montha is the fifth named cyclone of 2025 in the North Indian Ocean, with the name "Montha" suggested by Myanmar. The Bay of Bengal is prone to cyclonic activity during the post-monsoon season (October–December) due to high sea surface temperatures and favorable wind shear, accounting for nearly 70% of India's cyclonic activity.