Full Breakdown
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” Expected to Hit Andhra Coast on October 28, 2026
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Core Event
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) projects that the depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal will intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, “Arnab,” and reach the west-central Bay of Bengal near the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of October 28, 2026. At landfall the system is expected to produce maximum sustained winds of 115–125 km ph, with gusts up to 140 km ph. The storm is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
Background & Context
The low-pressure area formed on October 24, 2026 over the east-central Bay of Bengal. IMD bulletins placed its centre about 420 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands) and 870 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. It progressed from a depression (Oct 24) to a deep depression (Oct 25) and was projected to become a cyclonic storm by Oct 26. It is the season’s first major cyclonic threat.
Timeline
| Date | Development / Action |
|---|---|
| Oct 24 | System classified as a low-pressure area; fishermen advised to stay ashore. |
| Oct 25 | IMD bulletin: depression intensified into a deep depression; Odisha deployed disaster-response battalions. |
| Oct 26 | Forecast: system to become a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal. |
| Oct 27 | Expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm. |
| Oct 28 | Anticipated landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. |
| Oct 29 | Heavy rainfall projected for coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and adjoining states. |
Data & Statistics
- Wind forecast at landfall: 115–125 km ph sustained, gusts to 140 km ph (IMD).
- Rainfall outlook: Heavy to very heavy rain across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha from Oct 27–29; isolated downpours exceeding 20 cm in five Odisha districts.
- Disaster-response deployments:
- APSDMA mobilised 12 SDRF battalions and seven NDRF battalions, with three more NDRF battalions requisitioned.
- Odisha positioned 24 ODRAF teams, six NDRF teams, and 225 fire-service units on high alert.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Odisha government ordered eight ministers, including two Deputy Chief Ministers, to supervise disaster-management measures in the five most vulnerable districts and closed schools on Oct 27–28.
- Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, stressed a “zero-casualty objective” and confirmed the deployments.
- N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, directed advance warnings, cancellation of leave for government employees in affected districts, and readiness of cyclone shelters.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Cyclone warning signals have been hoisted at nine ports in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including Chennai and Cuddalore.
- Continuous rainfall since Oct 24 has caused water-logging in Puducherry’s Coast Road, prompting residents to demand drainage measures.
- Fishermen across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu have been advised to stay ashore; over 29,900 boats have returned to their home ports.