Cyclone Arnab Update: How Will Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu Be Affected?
Cyclone Arnab has formed over the Bay of Bengal, putting India's eastern coastline on alert. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects the storm to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, 2026. Heavy rainfall, damaging winds and coastal flooding are among the main concerns as authorities prepare for its arrival.
The forecast indicates that the cyclone could strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of October 26 and a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the morning of October 28.
Winds could reach sustained speeds of 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph around landfall.
An orange warning covers areas including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam, where very heavy rainfall is possible.
A storm surge of around 1 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide has also been forecast for vulnerable low-lying coastal areas. Such a rise in sea level can push seawater inland, increasing the risk of coastal inundation.
The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri on October 28. Heavy rain could cause waterlogging, flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly areas.
Authorities are preparing emergency teams, arranging cyclone shelters and taking steps to move people away from vulnerable locations. School and college closures have also been announced in affected districts as a precaution.
Forecasts issued on October 26 indicated heavy rain in parts of southern Tamil Nadu, including Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. Several other districts could also receive rainfall.
Residents should monitor updated district-level forecasts, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
People should follow official evacuation orders, avoid flooded roads, stay away from the sea during warnings and keep essential supplies ready. Those living in hilly areas should also watch for landslide alerts.
Cyclone forecasts can change as a storm develops. Residents should therefore rely on the latest IMD bulletins and local administration instructions for safety decisions.
When and where is Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall?
According to the IMD's October 26 bulletin, Cyclone Arnab was located over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 650 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. The system was moving westwards at around 15 kmph.The forecast indicates that the cyclone could strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of October 26 and a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27. It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the morning of October 28.
Winds could reach sustained speeds of 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph around landfall.
Which areas of Andhra Pradesh are at risk?
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the greatest immediate threat. The IMD has issued red warnings for extremely heavy rainfall in districts including Kakinada, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, NTR and Krishna. Isolated locations could receive more than 200 mm of rain within 24 hours.An orange warning covers areas including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam, where very heavy rainfall is possible.
A storm surge of around 1 to 1.5 metres above the astronomical tide has also been forecast for vulnerable low-lying coastal areas. Such a rise in sea level can push seawater inland, increasing the risk of coastal inundation.
How will Odisha be affected?
Although the expected landfall is in Andhra Pradesh, southern Odisha could experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri on October 28. Heavy rain could cause waterlogging, flooding and landslides, particularly in hilly areas.
Authorities are preparing emergency teams, arranging cyclone shelters and taking steps to move people away from vulnerable locations. School and college closures have also been announced in affected districts as a precaution.
Will Cyclone Arnab affect Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu is already experiencing rainfall associated with the northeast monsoon. However, the cyclone's immediate threat is concentrated on Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.Forecasts issued on October 26 indicated heavy rain in parts of southern Tamil Nadu, including Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. Several other districts could also receive rainfall.
Residents should monitor updated district-level forecasts, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
What precautions should residents take?
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have directed officials to prepare evacuation arrangements, relief camps, medical assistance and emergency power restoration. Fishing boats have been asked to return to shore, while residents in vulnerable coastal areas may be moved to safer locations.People should follow official evacuation orders, avoid flooded roads, stay away from the sea during warnings and keep essential supplies ready. Those living in hilly areas should also watch for landslide alerts.
Cyclone forecasts can change as a storm develops. Residents should therefore rely on the latest IMD bulletins and local administration instructions for safety decisions.
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