Cyclone Arnab Moves Closer to Andhra Coast As IMD Predicts Severe Landfall

UPDATE - follow-up to Deep depression intensifies into cyclonic storm 'Arnab'; rains continue in Tamil Nadu | LIVE: Cyclonic storm Arnab is moving west-northwestward over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.

Storm Movement And Wind Speeds

The India Meteorological Department states that the storm will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight and become a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27. It will strike the coast with maximum sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph. A red message cyclone warning is active for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts, with this marking the first cyclone to hit the Indian coast in the Bay of Bengal in 2026.

Preparations And Impact

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. Over 4,800 fishing boats returned safely to Kakinada shores after authorities suspended sea activity. State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain discussed potential election disruptions with State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha ahead of urban local body polls on November 1. Meanwhile, APEPDCL opened 41 control rooms to manage power restoration, and Odisha banned fishing and tourism in six districts. Heavy rains also continued to lash parts of Tamil Nadu.

Context

Tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal frequently intensify during the post-monsoon season, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall to India's eastern coastline. Emergency preparations by state disaster management authorities are standard protocol to prevent loss of life before severe landfalls.