Visakhapatnam: The severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ in the Bay of Bengal has evolved into a very severe cyclonic storm and is advancing toward the coast of Andhra Pradesh, where its effects began to be felt on Tuesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that ‘Arnab’ intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm on Monday night.
According to the latest update from the IMD on Tuesday, the very severe cyclonic storm located over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal has been moving westward at a speed of 22 km/h over the past six hours. At 5:30 AM IST, it was positioned 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 300 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 380 km south of Gopalpur (Odisha), 390 km east of Machilipatnam, and 460 km east of Bapatla.
“It is expected to continue moving west-northwest until the evening, after which it is likely to shift northwest and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained winds of 115-125 km/h, gusting to 140 km/h by the morning of October 28, 2026,” the IMD bulletin stated.
The system is being monitored closely by the Doppler Weather Radar in Vishakhapatnam.
In the meantime, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has indicated that the cyclone’s impact has commenced, with heavy rainfall and strong winds affecting Srikakulam district. The agency has warned of significant rainfall in the northern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.
Extreme rainfall and high winds are anticipated in some coastal regions until October 28. “The storm’s intensity is expected to increase as it nears the coast. Residents are advised to remain safe indoors,” said Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the State Disaster Management Authority.
Residents are encouraged to reach out to the Manamitra WhatsApp Number 9552300009 for immediate assistance regarding cyclone-related concerns.
The sea conditions have become turbulent along the North Andhra coast, with high tidal waves reported in certain areas. Coastal erosion has been observed at Uppada beach in Kakinada district, where recently placed boulders have been washed onto the road, disrupting traffic. As a precaution, authorities have closed all beaches to the public.
