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Arnab Forms, Putting Andhra’s Coast on Alert
The IMD says Cyclone Arnab is expected to reach Andhra Pradesh on October 28, with gusts up to 140 kmph. The storm strengthened from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have raised alerts and begun preparations. The forecast landfall could bring powerful winds and heavy rain.
At 5:30 a.m. on October 26, Cyclone Arnab was about 650 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, moving west at roughly 15 kmph. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal had grown into a cyclonic storm. Its forecast points to landfall on Wednesday, October 28. 35
The IMD expects Arnab to become a severe storm by midnight Monday, then a very severe storm on Tuesday. It is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam. Steady winds of 115 to 125 kmph are expected, with gusts up to 140 kmph. The agency issued its highest cyclone warning for Andhra Pradesh and nearby south Odisha. 413
That warning has triggered preparations across coastal and inland districts. Andhra Pradesh has identified about 5.7 lakh people at risk, with evacuations due to begin Monday evening. The eastern power utility APEPDCL has opened 41 control rooms and prepared 4,056 workers, along with generators and heavy equipment, to restore electricity. Odisha has banned fishing and tourist visits in six at-risk districts, closed schools and colleges there on October 28 and 29, and sent rescue teams to the area. 179
Those measures matter because winds this strong can disrupt power, travel and daily life, while rain may reach beyond the coast. The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rain in parts of Chhattisgarh on October 28 and 29. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha officials now face the immediate task of moving people from exposed areas and keeping response teams ready before the forecast landfall on October 28. 69
Questions about this story
How strong could Arnab’s winds become at landfall?▾
The IMD forecasts sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. 4
Which Odisha districts face special restrictions?▾
Fishing and tourist entry are banned in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. 7
How is Andhra preparing to restore electricity?▾
APEPDCL has opened 41 control rooms and arranged 4,056 workers, generators, vehicles and repair equipment. 1
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