The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Message warning for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts as the Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” (pronounced Ornab) early Monday morning, October 26, 2026.
Current Location and Track
As of 05:30 IST on October 26, Cyclone Arnab was centered over the Eastcentral and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 88.9°E. Moving westwards at a speed of 15 kmph over the past six hours, the storm lies positioned:
- 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands)
- 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh)
- 830 km east of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
- 910 km east of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh)
Rapid Intensification and Landfall Forecast
According to meteorologists, Cyclone Arnab is projected to move west-northwestward and intensify rapidly:
- Severe Cyclonic Storm: Expected over the westcentral Bay of Bengal by midnight today (October 26).
- Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: Forecast to intensify further on October 27.
The system is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh & Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm. Landfall is predicted to occur by the forenoon of October 28, 2026, bringing maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph.
High alert directives have been issued across Andhra Pradesh and coastal Odisha districts to begin disaster management protocols, suspend sea fishing operations, and prepare low-lying coastal areas for heavy rainfall and storm surges.
