Cyclone Arnab Hits Andhra Coast, Heavy Rain and Winds Batter Districts
1. What Is the Latest Update on Cyclone Arnab?
Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab began making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast early on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, bringing heavy rainfall and powerful winds to coastal districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the storm’s outer bands had moved onto land while its centre remained close to the coastline. The landfall process was expected to continue for several hours, keeping coastal communities exposed to dangerous weather conditions.
2. Where Is Cyclone Arnab Making Landfall?
According to the IMD, Cyclone Arnab is crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to the south of Yanam. The system developed over the west-central Bay of Bengal before moving towards the eastern coastline. Its slow movement near the coast has prolonged the period of heavy rain and strong winds in affected areas. Authorities have continued to monitor the cyclone’s position and movement as the landfall process progresses.
3. How Strong Are the Winds During the Cyclone?
The IMD reported maximum sustained wind speeds of around 125–135 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour during the landfall period. Such winds can uproot trees, damage roofs, bring down power lines and disrupt road transport. The weather department indicated that wind speeds would gradually decrease as the system moved inland, although dangerous conditions were expected to persist during the immediate landfall period.
4. Which Areas Are Facing Heavy Rain and Strong Winds?
Several coastal districts, including Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada and Konaseema, have experienced heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Reports from the region described uprooted trees, damaged power lines and roads obstructed by fallen branches. Some locations recorded extremely heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of waterlogging and localised flooding. Residents in low-lying and coastal areas have been advised to follow official weather alerts and local administration instructions.
5. How Are Authorities Responding to the Cyclone?
State authorities have stepped up emergency preparations, including evacuations, shelter arrangements and the deployment of emergency response teams. According to the Associated Press, at least 89,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas of Andhra Pradesh ahead of the storm. Officials also arranged cyclone shelters and medical support, while emergency personnel prepared to respond to flooding, fallen trees and power disruptions. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and directed officials to prioritise public safety and relief operations.
6. Are Flights, Trains and Other Transport Services Affected?
The cyclone has disrupted transport services in parts of eastern India. Some train services were cancelled, while airlines issued advisories warning passengers that adverse weather could affect flights to and from airports serving the region. Fallen trees, waterlogging and damaged power lines have also created difficulties for road users in affected districts. Passengers should check directly with their airline or railway operator for the latest service information before travelling.
7. What Is the Forecast After Cyclone Arnab’s Landfall?
The IMD warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds could continue during and after the landfall process, with conditions expected to gradually ease as the system weakened inland. Parts of neighbouring Odisha were also placed on alert for heavy rainfall and adverse weather. Even after the strongest winds subside, flooding, fallen trees, damaged electrical infrastructure and disrupted transport may continue to affect communities. Residents should avoid flooded roads, stay away from fallen power lines and follow official advisories until authorities confirm that conditions are safe