A rapidly strengthening Cyclone Arnab over the Bay of Bengal has put the eastern coast of India on high alert, with Andhra Pradesh and Odisha preparing for powerful winds, intense rainfall and possible flooding.
According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin, Arnab intensified into a **severe cyclonic storm** on Monday evening while moving west-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The system was located about 490 kilometres southeast of both Gopalpur in Odisha and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh at 5:30 pm on October 26.
The weather system is expected to strengthen further into a **very severe cyclonic storm** before approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast. The IMD has forecast landfall between **Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28**. At the time of crossing the coast, sustained winds could reach **115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph**.
### Andhra Pradesh faces the main impact
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to experience the most direct effects of Arnab. Extremely heavy rainfall, damaging winds, waterlogging and flooding are among the major risks as the cyclone approaches the coastline.
Several coastal districts have already been placed under heightened weather warnings. Authorities are preparing shelters, evacuation arrangements and emergency response teams in vulnerable areas.
### Odisha also remains on alert
Although the projected landfall is along the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast, southern Odisha is expected to receive substantial rainfall and strong winds. The IMD has warned of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several southern districts, increasing the possibility of flooding, landslides and disruption to transport and power infrastructure.
The Odisha government has stepped up preparedness, with rescue teams and officials positioned in vulnerable districts. Rail services have also been affected by precautionary measures.
### Wider weather impact
Arnab's influence is not expected to remain limited to the immediate coastline. After crossing Andhra Pradesh, the system is forecast to affect parts of Telangana, southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with rainfall activity potentially extending farther inland.
Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the affected sea areas from October 26 to 29. Residents in coastal and low-lying locations have been urged to closely follow official warnings and evacuation instructions.
With the cyclone continuing to intensify, the next 24–48 hours will be critical for communities along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts.
According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin, Arnab intensified into a **severe cyclonic storm** on Monday evening while moving west-northwestwards over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The system was located about 490 kilometres southeast of both Gopalpur in Odisha and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh at 5:30 pm on October 26.
The weather system is expected to strengthen further into a **very severe cyclonic storm** before approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast. The IMD has forecast landfall between **Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28**. At the time of crossing the coast, sustained winds could reach **115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph**.
### Andhra Pradesh faces the main impact
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to experience the most direct effects of Arnab. Extremely heavy rainfall, damaging winds, waterlogging and flooding are among the major risks as the cyclone approaches the coastline.
Several coastal districts have already been placed under heightened weather warnings. Authorities are preparing shelters, evacuation arrangements and emergency response teams in vulnerable areas.
### Odisha also remains on alert
Although the projected landfall is along the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast, southern Odisha is expected to receive substantial rainfall and strong winds. The IMD has warned of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several southern districts, increasing the possibility of flooding, landslides and disruption to transport and power infrastructure.
The Odisha government has stepped up preparedness, with rescue teams and officials positioned in vulnerable districts. Rail services have also been affected by precautionary measures.
### Wider weather impact
Arnab's influence is not expected to remain limited to the immediate coastline. After crossing Andhra Pradesh, the system is forecast to affect parts of Telangana, southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with rainfall activity potentially extending farther inland.
Authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the affected sea areas from October 26 to 29. Residents in coastal and low-lying locations have been urged to closely follow official warnings and evacuation instructions.
With the cyclone continuing to intensify, the next 24–48 hours will be critical for communities along the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts.