Amravati: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Arnab, which formed over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27 before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast the following morning.
According to the IMD’s National Bulletin No. 8, the storm was centred over the eastcentral and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on October 26. It had moved westwards at around 15 kmph during the preceding six hours. The system is forecast to move west-northwestwards before turning towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The weather department said the system was expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on Monday and strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.
Cyclone Arnab: Location And Expected Landfall
At the time of the bulletin, the cyclone was located approximately 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 830 km east of Machilipatnam and 910 km east of Bapatla.
The IMD has forecast that the storm will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.
At landfall, maximum sustained wind speeds could reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph, according to the forecast. The storm’s track and intensity will continue to be monitored through subsequent weather bulletins.
Heavy Rainfall Warning For Andhra Pradesh, Yanam
The cyclone is expected to bring thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at isolated places across Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated places in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. Heavy rainfall is also likely in parts of these regions on October 29.
The developing system has prompted warnings for coastal areas, where residents have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather and safety advisories.
Authorities Urge Residents To Remain Alert
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain said the next three days would be crucial and urged residents to take precautions as the cyclone develops.
He advised people, particularly those living in coastal areas, to follow official instructions and avoid complacency as the storm approaches.
Residents should monitor updates from the IMD and local authorities for changes in the cyclone’s projected path, rainfall intensity and wind conditions. Further advisories may be issued as the system moves closer to the coast.
