A cyclone warning has been issued for coastal Andhra Pradesh owing to the formation of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.

The Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam on Thursday afternoon issued a cyclone alert and predicted heavy rains for Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.

The release also said the depression was likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm ‘Roanu’ which was expected to be close to Machilipatnam on Thursday and intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm during the subsequent 24 hours. After this, the storm is likely to move Northeastwards towards Bangladesh Coast, said officials Cyclone Warning Centre Visakhapatnam.

The seas are likely to be high to very high along and off Coastal Andhra Pradesh during next 48 hours. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off Andhra Pradesh coast during next 48 hours.

I appeal to everyone to stay safe and indoors, ahead of a Cyclone warning. Do not venture onto the coast. Stock up water & food supplies.

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 19, 2016