Cyclone ‘Arnab’ Forms Over Bay of Bengal, Likely to Cross Andhra Pradesh Coast on October 28

Bhubaneswar: Cyclone ‘Arnab’ has formed over the Bay of Bengal after a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm, according to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) bulletin issued at 5.30 am on October 26.

The developing cyclone has prompted alerts for the Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining areas of southern Odisha, with authorities stepping up preparedness measures in potentially affected districts.

According to the IMD, the cyclone moved westwards at a speed of around 15 kmph during the past six hours. As of 5.30 am on Monday, its centre was located over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram, 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada.

Likely to Intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm

The IMD has forecast that Cyclone ‘Arnab’ will move west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26. It is likely to further intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.

The system is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. At the time of landfall, the wind speed is likely to reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.

Odisha on Alert

In view of the potential impact of the cyclone, preparedness measures are being intensified along southern coastal Odisha and in districts likely to be affected.

Residents have been advised to closely monitor subsequent IMD bulletins and follow instructions issued by local authorities as the cyclone’s movement and intensity evolve.