Kumar Bahukhandi
A fallen tree blocks a road at Maharanipeta in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, amid rain and strong winds as Cyclone Arnab approaches the coast. (Photo: Special Arrangemen)
IMD forecasts landfall near Yanam on Wednesday morning with winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph; rescue teams remain ready
Key Highlights
- Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, according to an IMD coastal bulletin.
- The storm is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.
- Maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph, are forecast at landfall.
- Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up precautions, with rescue teams on standby and restrictions on fishing.
- Rain and strong winds have already affected parts of the coast, with a fallen tree blocking a road in Visakhapatnam.
Kakinada: Coastal communities in Andhra Pradesh are preparing for the impact of Cyclone Arnab, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting that the very severe cyclonic storm will cross the coast near Yanam by Wednesday forenoon, October 28.
According to an IMD coastal bulletin, the storm is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, with maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph. The forecast may change as the system moves closer to the coast.
The warning has put Kakinada and neighbouring coastal areas on alert. Residents and authorities are preparing for heavy rain and strong winds, while officials have been asked to monitor developments and keep communities informed of safety measures.
Rain and strong winds reach coastal areas
Several districts in southern Odisha began receiving rain on Tuesday morning as the cyclone moved towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to The Hindu. In Visakhapatnam, a fallen tree blocked a road at Maharanipeta amid rain and strong winds.
The approaching storm has brought back memories for communities along the Kakinada coast, which faced Cyclone Montha in October 2025.
Rescue teams and shelters ready
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up precautionary measures, including school closures, restrictions on sea fishing and preparations for rescue and relief operations. The aim, officials have said, is to prevent loss of life and minimise damage to property and infrastructure.
At a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee on Monday, officials said shelters and evacuation arrangements had been made and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force teams had been kept ready. District control rooms had also been activated.
The Centre said additional NDRF teams were on standby, while rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard were also ready. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the specified areas of the Bay of Bengal and waters along and off the Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Yanam coasts from October 26 to 29
Rainfall concerns beyond the coast
The cyclone’s effects could extend beyond Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. At Monday’s preparedness meeting, officials said districts in Telangana and parts of Chhattisgarh could also be affected, while eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were to be alerted about the possibility of heavy rainfall.
Residents in affected areas have been urged to follow the latest IMD bulletins and instructions issued by district authorities, including any evacuation directions.
