The depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm called Helen.
It is centred 310 kilometers south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and is likely intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the next 24 hours.
It is likely to cross south coastal Andhra Pradesh between Sriharikota and Ongole close to Kavali by Thursday night.
Rain or thunder showers are expected across the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Tamil Nadu from this evening.
The condition of the sea is expected to 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.
