Cyclone Arnab to Hit Andhra Coast on October 28 With Winds Up to 125 Kmph; Red Warning Issued

Cyclone Arnab has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on the morning of October 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned.

The storm is forecast to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph.

As the cyclone approaches, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure comprehensive preparedness to minimise damage and prevent loss of life.

Cyclone Arnab’s Position and Expected Track

According to the IMD bulletin issued on Monday, October 26, Cyclone Arnab was centred over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal at 8.30 am.

The system was moving westwards at around 15 kmph over the preceding six hours. It was located approximately 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 690 km east-southeast of Kakinada and 580 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha.

The IMD expects the cyclone to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26 and strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.

It is then likely to move northwestwards towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall forecast by the forenoon of October 28.

Extremely Heavy Rainfall Forecast for Andhra Pradesh

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain at isolated places, across Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. Heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of the region on October 29.

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are forecast over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema.

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain said the next three days would be crucial and urged residents, particularly those living in coastal areas, to remain alert and follow official advisories.

The state government has been directed to ensure preparedness across vulnerable areas, with the focus on minimising the cyclone’s impact and preventing casualties.

Odisha Steps Up Precautions in Six Districts

The Odisha government has intensified precautionary measures in six southern districts considered vulnerable as Cyclone Arnab approaches the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast.

The districts are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur.

Officials are taking precautionary steps in view of the potential impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds associated with the cyclone.

Tamil Nadu Continues to Receive Monsoon Rain

Meanwhile, several parts of Tamil Nadu continued to receive rain as the northeast monsoon remained active.

The IMD has forecast further rainfall in parts of the state through October 27.

With Cyclone Arnab expected to intensify over the next two days, authorities in the affected states are monitoring its movement and urging residents to follow official weather updates and safety instructions.