Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns across India's eastern coastal states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the powerful cyclone is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. With heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible coastal flooding forecast, authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have stepped up emergency preparations to protect vulnerable communities.
Cyclone Arnab landfall near Yanam and IMD alerts
According to the IMD's latest cyclone warnings, Cyclone Arnab is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to cross between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, during the morning of October 28.
The cyclone is forecast to bring sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph at landfall. These conditions could damage houses, uproot trees, disrupt electricity supplies and affect road connectivity in coastal districts.
The weather department has also warned of extremely heavy rainfall in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. A storm surge of approximately 1–1.5 metres above the normal astronomical tide could flood low-lying coastal areas, particularly around Kakinada and Yanam.
The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified precautionary measures in vulnerable districts. Disaster response personnel have been deployed, temporary shelters prepared and evacuation operations initiated in areas considered at high risk.
Residents living near the coast have been advised to remain indoors during severe weather, avoid unnecessary travel and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
Odisha heavy rain, evacuations and travel disruptions
Neighbouring Odisha is also preparing for the impact of Cyclone Arnab, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected in several districts.
Authorities have strengthened emergency arrangements in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur. Rescue teams have been placed on alert, while officials are identifying vulnerable communities that may require evacuation.
As a precaution, the Odisha government has ordered educational institutions in several affected districts to remain closed on October 28 and 29. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations when directed by the administration.
The approaching cyclone has also disrupted transportation. Railway authorities have suspended several services along vulnerable coastal routes, while airlines have issued travel advisories for passengers travelling through affected airports, including Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The cyclone's wider influence could bring heavy rainfall to parts of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh over the following days.
Officials have urged fishermen to stay away from the sea as dangerous waves and strong winds develop along the coastline.
With Cyclone Arnab approaching landfall, authorities are focusing on evacuations, emergency shelters and the protection of essential services.
People living in affected regions are advised to monitor official IMD bulletins, follow district administration announcements and avoid relying on unverified weather updates circulating on social media.
