The State governments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have begun making arrangements for evacuation and shelter. The landfall of Fani in Puri district will start between 8 and 10 am and continue up to 12 noon on Friday, according to the Odisha government.
More than 11 lakh people are being evacuated in Odisha.
A total number of around 11.5 lakh people were to be evacuated in as many as 15 districts by late this evening, he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2 chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness for Cyclone Fani.
The Guntur district administration has raised level 3 warning at Nizampatnam fishing harbor.
Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea.