Cyclone Arnab Approaches Andhra Pradesh, Heavy Rainfall Expected

Cyclone Arnab has rapidly intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm as it moves westwards over the central Bay of Bengal. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm was positioned at 5.30 am IST on 27 October 2026 and is projected to shift west-northwestward before veering northwards later in the day. The cyclone is anticipated to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with winds reaching speeds of 115 to 125 kilometre per hour and gusts potentially hitting 140 kilometre per hour.

Heavy to very heavy rain is expected over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Yanam region from 27 to 28 October, with Odisha and parts of Chhattisgarh likely to experience similar conditions soon after. Following the IMD's warning, the South Coast Railway announced that 53 train services would be cancelled as a preventative measure. Passengers are urged to verify the status of their journeys.

In preparation for the storm, authorities have placed Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers on alert to facilitate the distribution of dry rations and nutritional support to beneficiaries during the expected closure periods.

Furthermore, the Odisha government has issued a directive to media outlets, advising against the spread of unverified forecasts about the cyclone. In accordance with safety protocols, schools in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been closed for two days leading up to the storm's landfall.

Cyclone Arnab, noted for its severity, has prompted the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority to identify over 1,700 cyclone shelters ahead of its expected landfall. Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the authority, highlighted the potential for extensive rainfall and strong winds across coastal districts.

On the Odisha side, although the cyclone is not projected to make direct landfall, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi noted that the state would likely experience significant rain and wind speeds gusting up to 80 kilometre per hour. In preparation, rescue teams have been deployed to vulnerable areas, and schools in affected districts will remain closed on 28 and 29 October.

The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated ₹27 crore for relief and response efforts, with funds distributed among affected districts to assist in preparation and recovery from the anticipated impacts of the storm. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stressed the importance of alerting residents about impending weather conditions and executing necessary measures to mitigate potential damage, suspending vehicular traffic along coastal roads and closing educational institutions in at-risk areas.