Cyclone Arnab Impact: High Waves Hit Ennore Coast in North Chennai
Cyclone Arnab intensified over the Bay of Bengal, bringing rough sea conditions and raising concerns along parts of India's eastern coastline. In Ennore, located in northern Chennai, Tamil Nadu, high waves were reported along the coast as the weather system moved towards Andhra Pradesh. The sea conditions highlighted the potential impact of the cyclone on coastal areas, even as its projected path remained north of Tamil Nadu.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Arnab strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal on October 27, 2026. The weather system was moving towards the northwest, with forecasts indicating that it would approach the Andhra Pradesh coast. The cyclone's development prompted increased attention to weather conditions across neighbouring coastal states.
Ennore's coastal location makes it vulnerable to rough seas and strong winds during severe weather systems. The high waves seen in the area reflected the unsettled marine conditions associated with the weather situation. However, the precise height of the waves and the extent of any local damage were not confirmed in the available information.
The IMD's Chennai coastal weather bulletin issued on October 26 warned of squally winds and sea conditions that could become rough along the northern Tamil Nadu coast. A local cautionary signal was also reported at Ennore and Kattupalli ports, indicating the possibility of hazardous weather. The bulletin did not issue a storm-surge or tidal warning for the Tamil Nadu coast at that time.
The cyclone was forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. The IMD projected sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour near landfall. These forecasts placed Andhra Pradesh among the areas facing the greatest direct threat from the storm.
Authorities and residents in coastal regions were advised to pay attention to official weather bulletins and follow local safety instructions. People were urged to avoid venturing into rough waters, while fishing and maritime activities faced potential disruption from strong winds and dangerous sea conditions. The exact precautions and restrictions depended on advisories issued by local authorities and port officials.
The high waves at Ennore brought renewed attention to the wider effects of Cyclone Arnab across the eastern coastline. While the cyclone's projected landfall was along Andhra Pradesh rather than Chennai, weather conditions in northern Tamil Nadu also warranted monitoring. The storm's movement, intensity and rainfall patterns remained important factors in determining the extent of its impact on coastal communities.