Cyclone Arnab is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and state administrations to move into high-alert mode. The system could bring maximum sustained winds of 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, when it crosses the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
The IMD’s Bhubaneswar unit said in an official statement that the deep depression over the eastcentral and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal had moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph during the six hours ending late on October 25. At 11 pm on October 25, the system was centred near latitude 15.3°N and longitude 89.7°E.
The weather agency located the system approximately 730 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 820 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 920 km east-southeast of Machilipatnam and 990 km east of Bapatla. It was also about 520 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands. The system was moving towards the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts.
According to the IMD forecast cited in the report, the storm was expected to continue strengthening on October 27, with wind speeds increasing to 100-125 kmph. The agency said it was likely to become a very severe cyclonic storm before moving northwards, after which wind speeds were expected to reduce.
The forecast places several important coastal urban and rural districts within the potential impact zone. The area between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam includes major population centres, ports, fishing settlements, roads, electricity networks and other public infrastructure that can be disrupted by strong winds and heavy weather. The report does not provide a detailed rainfall forecast, storm-surge estimate or evacuation order.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain on high alert and ensure maximum preparedness at every level. During a review meeting on Monday, Naidu instructed all departments to coordinate closely and work to prevent difficulties for residents as the weather system approaches.
The Chief Minister also directed district administrations to establish control rooms and provide timely guidance to the public. The instructions place district administrations at the centre of the immediate response, including the coordination of departments and the communication of weather-related information to residents.
The cyclone warning has also affected fishing activity in Tamil Nadu. In Thoothukudi district, mechanised boat fishermen remained ashore after the warning was issued, taking precautionary measures and not venturing into the sea. The report does not state how long the restriction will remain in force or whether similar directions have been issued across other coastal districts.
Odisha is also preparing for the possible impact of Cyclone Arnab. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state government had reviewed the potential effects of the system and assigned specific responsibilities to departments ahead of the expected landfall. The report does not identify the departments or provide details of Odisha’s control-room arrangements.
For Andhra Pradesh, the immediate operational challenge is to translate the IMD’s forecast into coordinated action across districts, public agencies and coastal communities. The forecasted wind speeds are high enough to require close monitoring of exposed infrastructure and maritime activity, although the supplied report does not specify damage assessments, evacuation plans or closures.
The IMD’s next updates will determine how the storm’s track, intensity and landfall location develop as it moves closer to the coast. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha authorities are expected to continue preparedness measures, while district control rooms provide guidance to the public and officials monitor the system through its projected landfall period.
