News Desk: Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to step up preparedness measures. The storm is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of October 28, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful winds and the risk of flooding in several coastal districts.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 5.30 am on Tuesday, October 27. It had moved westwards at around 22 kmph over the preceding six hours. The system is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards before turning towards the northwest.
The cyclone is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by Wednesday morning. Maximum sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph.
Heavy Rainfall and Red Alerts in Andhra Pradesh
The IMD has issued a red alert for several districts in Andhra Pradesh, including Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam.
Extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari and Eluru districts. Several other coastal and adjoining districts are also likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
The Andhra Pradesh government has released ₹27 crore for cyclone preparedness and relief operations across 20 districts. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the situation and directed officials to take necessary steps to minimise damage and protect residents.
Authorities have identified 1,763 cyclone shelters. Schools and other educational institutions in affected areas have been ordered to close, while beaches have been shut to visitors. Restrictions on vehicular movement along coastal roads are also planned as a precaution.
53 Train Services Cancelled, Odisha Braces for Impact
South Coast Railway has announced the cancellation of 53 train services on October 27 and/or 28. Passengers have been advised to check the latest train status before travelling.
Although the cyclone is not expected to make landfall in Odisha, the state is likely to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 kmph. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in six southern districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. Boat services on Chilika Lake have also been suspended from October 26 to 29.
Disaster response teams, including personnel from the NDRF and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, have been deployed in vulnerable areas.
Rain Forecast for Uttar Pradesh and Other Regions
The cyclone is also expected to influence weather conditions beyond the eastern coast. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Chhattisgarh on October 28 and 29, while eastern Uttar Pradesh may experience unseasonal rain and thunderstorms between October 28 and 31.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to avoid unnecessary travel, follow official weather advisories and remain prepared for possible flooding and power disruptions.
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