Hyderabad, Oct. 4 -- A severe cyclonic storm that crossed the Odisha coast near Gopalpur on Friday morning, triggered heavy rains and floods across several districts of north Andhra Pradesh, claiming four lives in three different incidents, officials said.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department centre at Visakhapatnam, the cyclonic storm, which crossed between Paradip and Gopalpur, began weakening while moving northwest.

"Despite weakening, the cyclone had a severe impact in coastal Andhra. Heavy rains lashed Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam and Vizianagaram districts, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for these regions. Wind speeds of 40-45 kmph were reported along the coast. Fishermen were advised not to venture in...