India, Oct. 28 -- Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, forcing several states to launch evacuations along the coastal areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds across coastal and inland regions.

Track live updates on Cyclone Montha here

The cyclone, whose name means "fragrant flower" in Thai, is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on the evening or night of October 28.

Andhra Pradesh is expected to bear the brunt of Cyclone Montha. IMD officials said that most coastal districts will experience extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds reaching sp...