India, Nov. 15 -- The approaching cyclone over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm by November 19, with maximum sustained wind speeds reaching 120-130 kmph and gusts up to 145 kmph over the sea, according to the latest forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD on Sunday issued a pre-cyclone watch for the Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts as a depression over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen rapidly over the next few days.

According to the IMD's forecast, the depression is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify into a Cyclonic Storm over the central parts of the south and adjoining west-central Bay of ...