Visakhapatnam, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, with its effects beginning to be felt along Andhra Pradesh’s coast as authorities warn of extremely heavy rainfall, destructive winds and rough sea conditions ahead of its expected landfall on Wednesday.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system intensified on Monday night. In its Tuesday morning bulletin, the weather agency said the storm was moving westwards at around 22 kmph and was centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal at 5.30 a.m.
The cyclone was located approximately 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 300 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 380 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha and 390 km east of Machilipatnam.
The IMD forecast that the storm would move west-northwestwards before turning northwestwards and crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.
At landfall, the system is expected to sustain wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. The cyclone is being monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar in Visakhapatnam.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) said the storm’s impact had begun, with heavy rain and gusty winds reported in Srikakulam district. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely in parts of the coastal region through October 28.
APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain urged residents to remain indoors and exercise caution as the cyclone approaches.
Rough seas and high tidal waves have also been reported along the North Andhra coast. At Uppada beach in Kakinada district, coastal erosion washed recently placed boulders onto the road, disrupting vehicle movement. Authorities have closed beaches to the public as a precaution.
Residents can contact the Manamitra WhatsApp helpline at 9552300009 for cyclone-related assistance.
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