Cyclone Arnab Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal; Andhra Pradesh Coast Braces for Very Severe Cyclonic Storm

Deep Depression Intensifies into Cyclonic Storm Arnab

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced on Monday, October 26, that a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal had intensified into Cyclonic Storm Arnab (pronounced “Ornab”). The weather system moved nearly westwards at a speed of 15 kmph during the six hours preceding the announcement.

According to the IMD, the cyclone was centred over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal at 5:30 AM on Monday. It was located approximately 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands, 610 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha, and 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

The system was also situated about 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 830 km east of Machilipatnam and 910 km east of Bapatla, all along the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Cyclone Arnab Expected to Intensify Further

The IMD has forecast that Cyclone Arnab will continue moving west-northwestwards and strengthen over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The storm is very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26.

The weather system is then expected to strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same region on Tuesday, October 27. The forecast indicates that the cyclone could pose a significant weather threat to coastal areas as it approaches the Indian mainland.

Authorities and residents in the potentially affected regions are advised to follow official weather bulletins and updates from the meteorological department.

Cyclone Arnab Landfall Forecast for October 28

According to the IMD forecast, Cyclone Arnab is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28.

At the time of landfall, the system is expected to have maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph. These wind conditions are consistent with a very severe cyclonic storm and could create hazardous conditions along the coast.

Coastal communities, fishermen and people living in vulnerable areas should closely monitor official advisories as the cyclone progresses. Any instructions issued by local authorities regarding fishing activities, travel or evacuation should be followed.

Key Dates to Watch

October 26: Cyclone Arnab forms and is forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight.

October 27: The system is expected to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm.

October 28: The cyclone is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.

Cyclone Arnab`s movement and intensity may evolve as it approaches the coast. Residents are advised to rely on the latest IMD bulletins for updated information on the cyclone`s track, wind speeds and expected landfall.