New Delhi: The weather forecast department has stated that a ruthless cyclonic storm ‘Helen’, packed with wind speed reaching up to 120 kmph, is likely to cross southern Andhra Pradesh on Friday November 22, prominently in the afternoon.

It is also learnt that the coast between Nellore and Machillipatnam, close to Ongole is likely to experience the cyclone. The system has currently located 360 km east of Ongole and 260 km east-southeast of Machillipatnam.

The coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, Rayalseema region, north Tamil Nadu and many places in south Odisha are already experiencing heavy rain falls with the Winds speeding upto 55-65 kmph.

Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur and Krishna districts in south coastal Andhra Pradesh are expected to be worst hit by the cyclone.  A storm surge of about 1 to 1.5m height above astronomical tide is likely to inundate low lying areas in these districts at the time of landfall.

The weather department has clarified that Helen’s intensity would be “much less” than cyclone Phailin, which hit Odisha and Andhra Pradesh last month.

Massive evacuation efforts are hence underway to minimize the damage. Warnings have also been issued to fishermen in the area to stay away from sea until the cyclone settles down completely.