Cyclone Arnab intensifies into severe storm, approaches Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts

Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, prompting the India Meteorological Department to issue a red warning for the Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. Marked as the first cyclonic storm of the 2026 North Indian Ocean season, it moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 25 kilometres per hour in the six hours leading up to 2:30 am on October 27. The system was centred roughly 300 kilometres southeast of Visakhapatnam, 360 kilometres east-southeast of Kakinada, and 380 kilometres south of Gopalpur in Odisha, alongside being 460 kilometres east of Machilipatnam and 530 kilometres east of Bapatla.

Landfall Details

The storm is projected to move west-northwestwards until Tuesday evening before shifting northwestwards to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds are forecast to reach 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, with intense gusts touching 140 kilometres per hour upon crossing. Coastal districts in both states are slated to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall through October 29, accompanied by strong winds.

Relief Measures

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to ensure constant watchfulness, evacuate residents from low-lying areas, and prevent loss of life and property. Authorities have moved 4,711 pregnant women from vulnerable zones to safe medical centres, deployed National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force units, and sanctioned 27 crore rupees for relief across 20 districts. Leave for officials in at-risk regions stands cancelled, and control rooms are operating round the clock.

Closures and Advisories

Fishing activities and tourist visits to vulnerable areas remain restricted, with the IMD warning fishermen to stay out of the sea. Educational institutions in affected Andhra Pradesh districts are shut from October 27 to October 31. In Odisha, schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres across five vulnerable districts will stay closed on October 28 and 29.

Context

Cyclonic storms in the Bay of Bengal frequently occur during the transitional post-monsoon months, bringing heavy downpours and destructive winds to India's eastern seaboard. Prompt evacuations and pre-positioned disaster response teams are standard administrative protocols aimed at reducing casualties during severe weather events.