Cyclone Arnab Intensifies, Andhra Pradesh–Yanam Landfall Expected Tomorrow

Key Takeaways:

• Cyclone Intensification: Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm late on October 26 and was positioned over the west-central Bay of Bengal on October 27.
• Landfall Forecast: The cyclone is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28.
• Wind and Rainfall Threat: Maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, are expected alongside isolated extremely heavy rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.
• Storm Surge and Coastal Risk: A storm surge of 1–1.5 metres above the astronomical tide could affect low-lying coastal areas, with dangerous conditions potentially persisting through October 28.
• Forecast validity: October 27–29, 2026 (Next 72 Hours)

Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm at 11:30 PM IST on October 26.

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab over the west-central Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards at 22 kmph during the preceding six hours. At 5:30 AM IST on October 27, 2026, it was centred near latitude 15.9°N and longitude 84.8°E. The cyclone was approximately 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam, 300 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 380 km south of Gopalpur, 390 km east of Machilipatnam, and 460 km east of Bapatla. It was also situated about 980 km west-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands.

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab is approaching Andhra Pradesh, with landfall forecast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28. The developing threat includes destructive winds, exceptionally rough seas, and intense rainfall. Coastal communities should complete preparations before conditions deteriorate rather than waiting for the cyclone’s centre to approach. The exact crossing point remains subject to revision as the storm continues moving across the west-central Bay of Bengal.

The system is forecast to cross the coast as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph.

The storm had been moving west-northwestwards, organising a concentrated circulation and rain bands around its centre.

The forecast track takes Arnab west-northwestwards initially, followed by a northwestward turn towards the coast. We expect landfall winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph. Coastal winds are expected to strengthen through October 27 and become particularly dangerous overnight into Wednesday morning. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam also face isolated extremely heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28, with substantial differences in intensity between individual locations.

Storm surge adds a separate coastal hazard. Water levels may rise approximately 1–1.5 metres above the astronomical tide in vulnerable low-lying areas during landfall, with the largest surge anticipated near Kakinada and Yanam. Surge height is not the same as wave height, and inundation will depend on local elevation and coastal configuration. Fishing and small-craft operations should remain suspended in officially restricted waters, while residents should avoid beaches, harbour walls, and exposed coastal roads.

Trees, electricity lines, temporary structures, and vulnerable houses may suffer damage near the strongest winds. Residents should secure loose materials, keep essential medicines and drinking water ready, and follow evacuation instructions without delay. Although winds should weaken after landfall, dangerous conditions may persist through October 28 before gradually easing on October 29. A temporary lull must not be treated as proof that the cyclone has passed.