The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Visakhapatnam has alerted passengers to monitor their flight statuses on Tuesday morning as Cyclone Arnab approaches. The advisory, released at 8:14 am, cautioned travelers about severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and high winds, which could lead to disruptions in flight schedules and road access.
Travelers are encouraged to verify their flight information with airlines prior to heading to the airport, allowing extra time for their journeys. They are also advised to stay updated by following announcements from airport officials, airlines, and local authorities. Flight details can be accessed via the airport’s official website.
Air India has also issued a warning regarding potential impacts on flights operating to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada due to the cyclone’s conditions. Passengers are advised to check their flight status online and plan for additional travel time, as adverse weather may also hinder road travel to the airports.
Cyclone Arnab has escalated into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the system to move northwest and make landfall near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, on the morning of Wednesday, October 28.
The storm is projected to produce maximum sustained winds of 115-125 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 140 km/h at landfall. According to Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, the cyclone is currently located about 300 km from Visakhapatnam, 360 km from Kakinada, 460 km from Machilipatnam, and 530 km from Bapatla.
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. Additionally, Odisha is expected to experience significant rainfall on October 28, while parts of Chhattisgarh and East Uttar Pradesh may see heavy rain on October 28 and 29, respectively.
In preparation for the cyclone, South Coast Railway has canceled 53 train services scheduled for October 27 and 28. Passengers are urged to verify cancellation details and confirm their travel plans before arriving at railway stations.
As the cyclone is set to impact the region on Wednesday, travelers using Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada airports should stay vigilant and be ready for adjustments to their travel arrangements.
