Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 27: IMD expects landfall near Yanam on Wednesday as Andhra Pradesh and Odisha brace.
Cyclone Arnab has strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects landfall on Wednesday, October 28. Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are readying evacuations, rescue teams and emergency funds. South Coast Railway has listed 53 services for cancellation as a precaution.
Where the storm stands
At 11.30 pm on Monday, the IMD placed Arnab near 15.9°N, 86.0°E. That put it about 350 km southeast of Visakhapatnam. It was also about 400 km south-southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha. Kakinada lay 420 km away, Machilipatnam 520 km and Bapatla 590 km. The storm had moved west-northwest at about 23 kmph over the previous six hours.
The IMD expects that track to continue until Tuesday evening. The system should then curve northwest towards the coast. Landfall is forecast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam. Yanam is a small Puducherry enclave on the Andhra coast. The storm is expected to cross by Wednesday forenoon.
At landfall, sustained winds are forecast at 115–125 kmph. Gusts may reach 140 kmph. These remain forecasts, and the track or timing could still shift. Residents should follow the latest IMD bulletins rather than earlier estimates.
How fast it intensified
Arnab’s growth was rapid. On Monday, a deep depression in the east-central Bay of Bengal became a cyclonic storm. The IMD announced its formation on X at around 9 am. It noted that the name is pronounced “Ornab”. The name, contributed by Bangladesh, means ocean in Bengali.
At 11.30 am Monday, the storm lay 580 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. It was 550 km southeast of Gopalpur at the time. The IMD forecast it would become a severe cyclonic storm by midnight. It expected very severe status on Tuesday. The system got there sooner, reaching very severe strength by 11.30 pm Monday. Over those 12 hours, its distance from Visakhapatnam fell by about 230 km.
IMD categories depend on sustained wind speed. A severe cyclonic storm carries winds of 89–117 kmph. A very severe cyclonic storm ranges from 118 to 165 kmph. The forecast landfall winds sit near the boundary between the two categories.
Some reports had used the name Arnab for a weather system in September. That system crossed near Kalingapatnam as a deep depression, not a cyclone. The current storm is a fully formed cyclone under IMD classification.
Alerts across states
Red alerts cover parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha for October 28–29. A red alert signals that authorities and residents should take action. Uttar Pradesh is under an orange alert for October 29–30. An orange alert asks people to be prepared. That suggests the weakening system could affect weather well inland.
Railways on alert
South Coast Railway has listed 53 services for cancellation on October 27, 28 or both. The move anticipates heavy rain and strong winds along its network. Passengers have been advised to check each train’s status before leaving for stations. They should also confirm journey dates against individual cancellation notices.
The zone has set up round-the-clock war rooms at its headquarters and divisional offices. According to its press release, these will coordinate quick responses to emergencies. General Manager Sandeep Mathur reviewed preventive and crisis-management measures. The aim is to protect passengers, staff and train operations.
Andhra Pradesh prepares
Andhra Pradesh has released ₹27 crore to 20 districts for relief and emergency work. Fifteen NDRF teams have been stationed at vulnerable coastal locations. The state fire department has deployed 13 boat rescue teams. Districts expected to take the brunt are stepping up evacuation and rescue arrangements.
The region knows the drill. Last October, Cyclone Montha crossed the Andhra and Yanam coasts near Narasapur. In 2014, Cyclone Hudhud struck near Visakhapatnam with winds of about 175–185 kmph.
Odisha’s southern districts brace
In Odisha, Gajapati district has identified about 15,000 vulnerable people for evacuation. District Collector Akshay Sunil Agrawal said 281 cyclone and temporary shelters are ready. Arrangements have been made to house those moved. Preparations began two days earlier, after the first forecasts. Gajapati is under an orange warning for October 27–28. That rises to red for October 28–29.
The district is also moving 210 pregnant women due to deliver within 15 days. They are being shifted to maternity homes, community health centres and primary health centres. Agrawal told ANI the step ensures expectant mothers receive medical care during the storm. Such moves matter because storms often cut roads and power. Patients needing urgent care can be stranded when access fails.
What to watch
Coastal communities face the greatest risk from strong winds and heavy rain. Fishing villages, low-lying settlements and fragile homes are usually most exposed. Power lines, roads and telecom links may face disruption. Rail and road travel across the region is likely to be affected.
Arnab is expected to reach the coast in roughly a day. Its exact landfall point and strength may still change. Residents should rely on IMD bulletins and district advisories. Following evacuation orders early remains the most effective protection.
