Cyclone Arnab intensifies to very severe storm, Andhra coast braces for landfall on 28 October
Synopsis
Cyclone Arnab has rapidly intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and is bearing down on the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected near Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 28 October. Winds gusting to 140 kmph, coastal erosion already underway at Kakinada, and rough seas signal a high-impact event for one of India's most cyclone-prone coastlines.
Key Takeaways
Cyclone 'Arnab' intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm on Monday night, 27 October 2026 , over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Landfall is expected near Yanam , between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam , by the forenoon of 28 October 2026 .
Maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph , gusting to 140 kmph , are forecast at landfall.
Heavy rains and gusty winds have already struck Srikakulam district ; all beaches along the coast have been closed to the public .
Coastal erosion reported at Uppada beach, Kakinada ; boulders washed onto the road, disrupting traffic.
Residents can contact the Manamitra WhatsApp helpline (9552300009) for cyclone-related assistance.
Severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab' over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and is tracking towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with its impact already being felt along the shoreline on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the intensification occurred on Monday night, and the system is expected to make landfall by the forenoon of 28 October 2026.
Current Position and Projected Track
As of 0530 hours IST on Tuesday, Cyclone Arnab lay centred over the west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 300 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 380 km south of Gopalpur (Odisha), 390 km east of Machilipatnam, and 460 km east of Bapatla. The storm was moving nearly westwards at 22 kmph over the past six hours.
According to the IMD bulletin, the cyclone is 'very likely to move west-northwestwards till the evening, and thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, by the forenoon of 28 October 2026.' The system is under continuous surveillance of the Doppler Weather Radar at Visakhapatnam.
Impact Already Underway Along the Coast
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has confirmed that the cyclone's impact has begun. Srikakulam district was lashed by heavy rains and gusty winds on Tuesday, with extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast for several coastal areas through 28 October. North Andhra districts are on alert for heavy rains.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the State Disaster Management Authority, urged residents to exercise caution. 'Its intensity will increase as it approaches the coast. People should stay safe at home,' he said. Residents requiring assistance have been advised to contact the Manamitra WhatsApp helpline at 9552300009 for a swift response to cyclone-related issues.
Coastal Damage and Sea Conditions
Sea conditions have turned rough along the North Andhra coast, with high tidal waves reported at several locations. Uppada beach in Kakinada district witnessed coastal erosion, with boulders recently placed along the shore reportedly washed onto the road, disrupting vehicular movement. As a precautionary measure, authorities have closed all beaches to the public.
Preparedness and What Comes Next
This is the latest in a pattern of Bay of Bengal cyclones striking the Andhra and Odisha coasts during the post-monsoon season, when sea surface temperatures remain elevated. The APSDMA's early warnings and the activation of disaster helplines reflect lessons from past cyclones, including repeated hits on the Visakhapatnam–Kakinada belt. The landfall window — forenoon of 28 October — means rescue and relief machinery must be fully deployed overnight. All eyes now are on how Arnab's intensity holds as it crosses the shelf waters and nears the coast.
Point of View
And each one exposes the tension between evacuation logistics and the reluctance of coastal communities to leave livelihoods behind. The APSDMA's early helpline activation and beach closures are procedurally sound, but the real test is last-mile reach in low-income coastal settlements. The post-landfall relief pipeline — not just the warning system — deserves as much scrutiny as the meteorological tracking.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall?
Cyclone Arnab is very likely to make landfall near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast, by the forenoon of 28 October 2026. The IMD expects it to cross as a very severe cyclonic storm with winds gusting up to 140 kmph.
What is the current intensity of Cyclone Arnab?
As of Tuesday, 27 October 2026, Arnab has been classified as a very severe cyclonic storm by the IMD, having intensified from a severe cyclonic storm on Monday night. It was centred 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam at 0530 hours IST.
Which districts in Andhra Pradesh will be most affected?
North Andhra districts, including Srikakulam and Kakinada, are among the areas already experiencing heavy rains and gusty winds. Coastal areas between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, particularly near Yanam, face the highest risk as the landfall zone.
What precautions have authorities taken ahead of the cyclone?
The APSDMA has confirmed the cyclone's impact has begun and advises residents to stay indoors. All beaches along the Andhra coast have been closed to the public. Residents can reach the Manamitra WhatsApp helpline at 9552300009 for assistance.
What damage has already been reported before landfall?
Coastal erosion has been reported at Uppada beach in Kakinada district, where recently placed protective boulders were washed onto the road, disrupting traffic. High tidal waves have been observed at several points along the North Andhra coast, and sea conditions have turned rough.
