VISAKHAPATNAM, October 27, 2026: Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal and is now rapidly approaching India's eastern coastline. With landfall expected within the next 24 hours, authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have moved into a high-alert phase.
According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) update, Arnab was positioned at around 16.2°N and 83.7°E at 11:30 am on Tuesday, approximately 170 kilometres south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 180 kilometres east-southeast of Kakinada and about 370 kilometres south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha. The storm was moving west-northwestwards at around 20 kmph.
### Arnab Has Strengthened Further
The cyclone has clearly gained strength since Monday. The IMD has classified Arnab as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, with maximum sustained winds expected to remain extremely dangerous as it approaches the coast.
At landfall, the system is forecast to produce sustained winds of approximately 115–125 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kmph. Such winds can damage roofs, power lines, communication infrastructure, trees and weaker structures.
Where Will Arnab Make Landfall?
The current forecast indicates that Arnab will cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28.
Therefore, Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the most direct impact. However, southern Odisha will also experience heavy rainfall, strong winds and potentially hazardous coastal conditions as the cyclone passes nearby.
The cyclone could also generate a storm surge of around 1–2 metres above the astronomical tide** in vulnerable coastal areas, with the greatest surge risk around the Kakinada-Yanam region. Low-lying areas could therefore face serious flooding during and shortly after landfall.
Government Launches Large-Scale Precautionary Measures
Authorities have begun one of the largest emergency preparations of the season. In Andhra Pradesh, at least **89,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable coastal locations**, while more than 2,000 cyclone shelters have been prepared across affected districts.
Emergency teams have also secured more than 30,000 fishing boats**, while nearly 1,100 medical teams have been deployed to support communities during the storm. Mobile emergency alerts have been sent to residents in threatened areas.
Odisha has also intensified preparations, with the state planning evacuation of around 48,000 people from eight vulnerable districts and deploying hundreds of rescue teams.
Schools and colleges in several affected areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have been ordered to remain closed as a precaution, while transport services are facing disruptions because of worsening weather conditions.
Heavy Rain and Flood Threat
The biggest risks from Arnab are not limited to the powerful winds. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha are expected to receive **heavy to extremely heavy rainfall**, raising the possibility of flash flooding, waterlogging and damage to infrastructure.
Fishermen have been warned to remain away from the sea, while people living in low-lying coastal areas have been urged to follow evacuation orders and move to designated shelters.
### The Next 24 Hours Are Critical
Arnab is now close enough to the coast that conditions can deteriorate rapidly. The storm's combination of powerful winds, torrential rainfall, rough seas and storm surge could create dangerous conditions along the Andhra coast.
Authorities are therefore urging residents not to return to evacuated areas until officials declare them safe.
With Arnab expected to cross the coast on **Wednesday morning, October 28**, the coming hours will be crucial for Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha as emergency agencies race to protect lives and minimise damage from one of the season's most powerful cyclonic systems.
According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) update, Arnab was positioned at around 16.2°N and 83.7°E at 11:30 am on Tuesday, approximately 170 kilometres south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 180 kilometres east-southeast of Kakinada and about 370 kilometres south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha. The storm was moving west-northwestwards at around 20 kmph.
### Arnab Has Strengthened Further
The cyclone has clearly gained strength since Monday. The IMD has classified Arnab as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, with maximum sustained winds expected to remain extremely dangerous as it approaches the coast.
At landfall, the system is forecast to produce sustained winds of approximately 115–125 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kmph. Such winds can damage roofs, power lines, communication infrastructure, trees and weaker structures.
Where Will Arnab Make Landfall?
The current forecast indicates that Arnab will cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28.
Therefore, Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the most direct impact. However, southern Odisha will also experience heavy rainfall, strong winds and potentially hazardous coastal conditions as the cyclone passes nearby.
The cyclone could also generate a storm surge of around 1–2 metres above the astronomical tide** in vulnerable coastal areas, with the greatest surge risk around the Kakinada-Yanam region. Low-lying areas could therefore face serious flooding during and shortly after landfall.
Government Launches Large-Scale Precautionary Measures
Authorities have begun one of the largest emergency preparations of the season. In Andhra Pradesh, at least **89,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable coastal locations**, while more than 2,000 cyclone shelters have been prepared across affected districts.
Emergency teams have also secured more than 30,000 fishing boats**, while nearly 1,100 medical teams have been deployed to support communities during the storm. Mobile emergency alerts have been sent to residents in threatened areas.
Odisha has also intensified preparations, with the state planning evacuation of around 48,000 people from eight vulnerable districts and deploying hundreds of rescue teams.
Schools and colleges in several affected areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have been ordered to remain closed as a precaution, while transport services are facing disruptions because of worsening weather conditions.
Heavy Rain and Flood Threat
The biggest risks from Arnab are not limited to the powerful winds. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha are expected to receive **heavy to extremely heavy rainfall**, raising the possibility of flash flooding, waterlogging and damage to infrastructure.
Fishermen have been warned to remain away from the sea, while people living in low-lying coastal areas have been urged to follow evacuation orders and move to designated shelters.
### The Next 24 Hours Are Critical
Arnab is now close enough to the coast that conditions can deteriorate rapidly. The storm's combination of powerful winds, torrential rainfall, rough seas and storm surge could create dangerous conditions along the Andhra coast.
Authorities are therefore urging residents not to return to evacuated areas until officials declare them safe.
With Arnab expected to cross the coast on **Wednesday morning, October 28**, the coming hours will be crucial for Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha as emergency agencies race to protect lives and minimise damage from one of the season's most powerful cyclonic systems.