The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that very severe cyclone Arnab will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts near Yanam by the forenoon of October 28, 2026, bringing winds of 115–125 kmph and gusts up to 140 kmph as heavy rain and rough seas begin affecting coastal districts.
Key Takeaways
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Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on Monday night.
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The IMD expects the storm to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts near Yanam by the forenoon of October 28, with winds reaching 140 kmph in gusts.
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Heavy rain, gusty winds, rough seas and coastal erosion have affected parts of North Andhra, prompting authorities to close beaches.
Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast after intensifying over the Bay of Bengal. Heavy rain and gusty winds have begun affecting parts of the state, while rough seas and coastal erosion have raised concerns along the North Andhra coastline.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm on Monday night. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28.
The approaching storm has prompted authorities to issue warnings, advise residents to remain indoors and close beaches as a precautionary measure.
Cyclone Arnab Moves Towards Andhra Pradesh
In its latest bulletin on Tuesday, the IMD said Arnab moved nearly westwards at 22 kmph over the west-central Bay of Bengal during the previous six hours.
At 5.30 am on Tuesday, the storm lay centred over the same region. It was approximately 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 300 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 380 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha, 390 km east of Machilipatnam and 460 km east of Bapatla.
The IMD expects the cyclone to move west-northwestwards until Tuesday evening. It will likely turn northwestwards afterwards as it approaches the coast.
The weather department has forecast that Arnab will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.
The storm is expected to retain its very severe cyclonic intensity during landfall.
Winds May Reach 140 Kmph During Landfall
The IMD has forecast maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph when the cyclone crosses the coast. Gusts could reach 140 kmph.
These strong winds, combined with heavy rainfall and rough seas, pose risks to coastal areas as the storm approaches.
The IMD is monitoring the cyclone continuously through the Doppler Weather Radar at Visakhapatnam.
The storm’s expected track and intensity have placed the North Andhra coastline under close watch. Authorities have urged people to follow safety advisories as the system moves closer to land.
Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds Hit North Andhra
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said the cyclone’s impact had already begun.
Heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds lashed Srikakulam district on Tuesday. The authority also warned of heavy rainfall in the northern districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Some coastal areas are likely to experience extremely heavy rain and strong gusty winds until October 28.
Prakhar Jain, managing director of the State Disaster Management Authority, warned that the cyclone’s intensity would increase as it approached the coast.
He urged residents to remain indoors and prioritise their safety.
Authorities have also advised people to use the Manamitra WhatsApp helpline at 9552300009 to seek a swift response to cyclone-related issues.
Rough Seas and High Tidal Waves Along Coast
The cyclone has made sea conditions rough along the North Andhra coastline. High tidal waves have been observed at several locations.
Coastal erosion has also affected Uppada beach in Kakinada district. Boulders recently placed along the beach were washed onto the road, disrupting vehicle movement.
The incident highlights the impact of rough sea conditions on vulnerable stretches of the coastline as the cyclone approaches.
Authorities have closed all beaches to the public as a precautionary measure. The closures aim to keep people away from dangerous sea conditions during the storm.
Authorities Urge Residents to Stay Safe
With landfall expected on October 28, authorities are urging residents in coastal areas to remain alert and follow official safety instructions.
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The IMD expects Arnab to cross the coast as a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds exceeding 100 kmph and stronger gusts.
Heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas have already affected parts of North Andhra. The situation is likely to become more severe as the cyclone approaches land.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors and contact the state disaster management helpline through WhatsApp at 9552300009 for cyclone-related assistance. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)
