A Very Severe Cyclonic Storm named ‘Arnab’ over the West-Central Bay of Bengal is heading toward the east coast and is expected to cross between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam (close to Kakinada), on Wednesday morning (October 28).
According to Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is currently intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, positioned roughly 260–300 km from Visakhapatnam and 300 km from Kakinada.
Landfall & Wind Speed Expectations
During the landfall process on October 28 morning:
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Sustained Wind Speed: 115 to 125 km/h, reaching up to 135 km/h.
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Peak Gusting: Winds may touch 140 to 150 km/h.
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Regional Wind Impact:
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South Odisha: 60 to 80 km/h.
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North Odisha: 40 to 50 km/h.
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Due to the intense wind speeds, severe damage to standing crops (especially paddy), uprooting of large trees, and disruptions to rail, air, and road transit are anticipated.
Red Alert and Local Directives
A Red Alert has been declared across coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern districts of Odisha.
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High-Risk Districts in Odisha: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur.
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Precautionary Measures: Educational institutions—including schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres—in these affected Odisha districts have been ordered closed for two days.
Forecast Beyond October 29
The cyclone is expected to weaken progressively after October 29:
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Oct 29: System weakens into a Deep Depression.
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Oct 30: Further degrades into a Depression.
Rainfall and high winds across Odisha will begin to subside significantly from October 30 onward as the system moves inland and dissipates. Authorities have urged residents in coastal and low-lying areas to stay indoors and follow local administrative guidelines.
