The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and southern Odisha as Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensifies. The severe weather system is projected to make landfall on October 28, 2026, bringing very high winds and significant rainfall.
Arnab's Path and Intensification
Originally a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, the system strengthened into Cyclonic Storm Arnab on October 26. The IMD forecasts its continued intensification into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26, further escalating to a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.
Moving west-northwestwards, Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds are predicted to reach 115-125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph.
Anticipated Impact and Rainfall Forecast
Coastal areas are bracing for destructive storm surges, with projections of 1.0 to 1.5 meters above astronomical tide, particularly affecting low-lying regions in East Godavari and Yanam. Widespread devastation is anticipated, including the destruction of thatched homes, uprooting of large trees, and severe disruptions to power, communication, rail, and road infrastructure.
Extensive rainfall is predicted across multiple states from October 26 to October 30:
- Andhra Pradesh: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on October 27-28.
- Odisha: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on October 28.
- Telangana: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over eastern parts on October 28.
- Chhattisgarh: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over southern parts on October 28.
- Other states like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Vidarbha, East Madhya Pradesh, and East Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience heavy rainfall.
Safety Measures and Evacuations Underway
In response to the severe threat, authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations of coastal hutment dwellers in vulnerable areas. The IMD has also mandated a complete suspension of fishing operations, advising all shipping vessels, operators, and fishermen to avoid the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea areas through October 28 to ensure safety.
Residents in the affected regions are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow evacuation orders promptly.