Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is advancing toward India’s eastern coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported. The system is projected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 28, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts. Maximum sustained winds are expected to reach 115-125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph by midday.
The storm moved west-northwest at 23 kmph late on October 26, according to the IMD, and is forecast to maintain this path until the evening of October 27 before turning northwest toward the coast. The Doppler Weather Radar at Visakhapatnam is continuously monitoring the system’s progress.
Preparations and Evacuations
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) reviewed cyclone readiness, with Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan urging agencies to prioritize zero loss of life and minimal infrastructure damage. Authorities have directed immediate restoration of essential services following any impact.
School closures were announced for Andhra Pradesh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and six southern Odisha districts, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nabarangpur, for October 28 and 29. In Andhra Pradesh, beaches are closed to the public, and coastal road movement is suspended from Tuesday afternoon. Sea fishing has been banned across eastern coastal states.
Port Alerts and Widespread Impacts
The IMD has issued cyclone warning signals at nine ports, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore. Meanwhile, Puducherry and neighboring areas have experienced continuous heavy rainfall since Saturday night due to an active northeast monsoon, with further downpours predicted through October 28.
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Despite landfall occurring in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi deployed eight ministers to monitor preparations in vulnerable regions. The state anticipates severe effects, including torrential rains and wind gusts up to 80 kmph.
The IMD has issued alerts for additional states beyond the immediate coastal zones. Heavy rainfall is expected in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. For October 28, winds of 30-40 kmph are forecast in districts including Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Varanasi, and Bhadohi.
Extended Rainfall and Landslide Risks
An orange alert was issued for October 29, warning of heavy rainfall and 40-50 kmph winds in Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Rae Bareli, and Amethi. By October 30, the severe weather will spread to districts in western Uttar Pradesh and the Terai region, potentially lowering daytime temperatures by 5-8 degrees Celsius.
The IMD predicts heavy rain across West Bengal from October 28 to 30, with authorities warning of possible landslides in sub-Himalayan districts. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri are expected to face significant downpours on October 29-30.