Cyclone Arnab is expected to intensify from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast on October 28, while Kolkata and parts of south Bengal brace for rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from Tuesday.
According to the Times of India report, the system was positioned over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal on Sunday. Meteorological tracking indicated that it would move north-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday morning. Forecasters expect it to strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27.
The system is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam during the forenoon of October 28. At landfall, it may produce maximum wind speeds of 110-115 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. Forecasts cited in the report put the storm’s peak maximum sustained wind speed at 125-140 kmph.
The projected landfall location places the storm roughly 700 km from Kolkata, but its wider circulation is expected to affect weather conditions across Bengal. Squally winds may reach the Bengal coast from Tuesday, while districts in south Bengal could receive heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph.
Kolkata is expected to receive light showers on Tuesday, with rainfall intensity forecast to peak between Wednesday and Thursday. Regional Meteorological Centre weather scientist Sourish Bandopadhyay said the city may receive light to moderate rain, although one or two heavy spells could occur in and around Kolkata.
The weather system is expected to create operational concerns for coastal settlements and urban infrastructure along the storm’s projected path. Strong winds and intense rainfall can affect road movement, power distribution, drainage systems and public services, although the supplied report does not identify specific closures or damage assessments.
Local authorities have been advised to monitor the situation closely as the system approaches landfall. The next key milestones are the storm’s expected intensification on October 27 and its forecast crossing of the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast on October 28.
