The Meteorological Department today issued a cyclone warning to Coastal Andhra Pradesh and cautioned fishermen from venturing out into the sea.
As per the weather department, the cyclone christened "Vardah" is picking up momentum in the Bay of Bengal which is looming under a heavy depression.
The eye of the storm is, at the moment, 1,070 km South of Visakhapatnam and 1,180 km East of Machilipatnam, and is approaching the Coast at a speed of 120 km per hour. It is likely to hit AP within 24 hours, and will continue till Sunday. Heavy rains are expected to lash the Coast and a few other parts of the State, as a result.
The department has issued a warning to fisherfolk who have already ventured out to carry out their activities, urging them to return to shore. An advisory has also been issued to the public residing in coastal districts.