Cyclone Arnab latest updates: Andhra Pradesh landfall likely on October 28; Odisha shuts schools in 6 districts

A cyclonic storm is a rotating tropical weather system whose sustained winds have reached the IMD’s cyclonic-storm range. The labels show increasing wind strength and likely danger. A severe cyclonic storm is stronger, while a very severe cyclonic storm is stronger still. The article uses these categories to track Arnab’s expected intensification.

Under IMD classification, cyclonic storms have sustained winds of 62–88 kmph. Severe cyclonic storms reach 89–117 kmph. Very severe cyclonic storms reach 118–166 kmph. These categories describe maximum sustained winds, not brief gusts. Arnab was first identified as a cyclonic storm after intensifying from a deep depression.

The IMD forecast said Arnab could become severe by midnight on October 26 and very severe on October 27. It was expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts as a very severe cyclonic storm on October 28. The forecast landfall winds were 115–125 kmph, with gusts to 140 kmph.

Cyclone Arnab is forecast to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts. This matters because the storm’s projected path brings powerful winds and other hazards toward coastal settlements, while parts of Odisha may also be affected inland.

At 5:30 am on October 26, Arnab’s centre was over the eastcentral and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal. It lay about 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 910 km east of Bapatla. It was also 610 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha. These distances describe the storm’s position before landfall, not the final distance between communities and the eye.

The IMD expected Arnab to move northwestwards and cross the coast by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28. Odisha prepared six vulnerable districts because the system could affect parts of the state even after crossing the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh coast.

At landfall, Cyclone Arnab is expected to produce maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph. Gusts could reach 140 kmph. Sustained winds measure the storm’s continuing power, while gusts are shorter bursts that can be much stronger and suddenly damage buildings, trees, power lines and other infrastructure.

The IMD forecast that Arnab would cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts as a very severe cyclonic storm. Before that, it was expected to intensify from a cyclonic storm into a severe cyclonic storm by October 26, then strengthen further on October 27. The changing classification reflects its predicted increase in wind strength.

Odisha responded even though landfall was forecast along Andhra Pradesh. It positioned NDRF, ODRAF, fire and police teams, prepared shelters and restricted activities in six districts. These steps recognise that dangerous winds, rain and flooding can extend beyond the exact landfall point.

Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres are being closed because a cyclone’s effects can spread beyond its landfall point. Strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, fallen trees and blocked roads can make travel and buildings unsafe. Closing institutions reduces movement and keeps children, families and staff away from exposed locations.

The closures apply on October 28 and 29 in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. Odisha identified these districts as vulnerable and mobilised disaster-response teams. Authorities also prepared cyclone shelters, arranged precautionary evacuations and asked people in low-lying areas to move to safer places.

The IMD forecast landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, but it also warned that parts of Odisha could be affected as the system moved inland. The closures support the state’s zero-casualty strategy. They also give officials more room to manage warnings, transport, rescue work and emergency coordination.

Cyclones can create several dangers at once. Heavy rain may flood homes, roads and fields. Rising seas and storm surge can inundate coastal areas. Strong winds can damage roofs, trees, power lines and communications. Inland communities may face swollen rivers, landslides, blocked roads and disrupted services as the storm moves away from the coast.

The article does not list every hazard, but it describes preparations for low-lying-area evacuations, cyclone shelters and emergency response. It also restricts sea fishing and access to hills, waterfalls, dams and scenic destinations. These measures reflect risks from rough seas, flooding, unstable terrain and fast-changing conditions.

For Arnab, the IMD forecast landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, with parts of Odisha potentially affected inland. Odisha’s teams, control rooms and officials were tasked with public safety, evacuation, rescue and relief. Residents were urged to follow official announcements because local risks can change as the storm advances.

A zero-casualty response depends on moving people out of danger before conditions worsen. Cyclone shelters offer organised refuge, especially for residents of low-lying areas. Evacuations reduce exposure to wind, flooding and falling debris. Early preparation also helps authorities protect essential services and identify people who may need assistance.

In Odisha, shelters were being prepared and precautionary evacuations arranged. NDRF, ODRAF, Fire and Emergency Services and police personnel were positioned in vulnerable areas. District officials were told to prioritise public safety, evacuation and emergency response. Eight ministers were deputed to monitor preparations at different locations.

Control rooms provide a central point for coordinating warnings, rescue and relief operations. The government also cancelled employee leave in the six identified districts, improving staffing during the emergency. Together, these measures help officials respond before, during and after the storm, although the article does not claim that every risk can be eliminated.

Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean water because heat causes evaporation. Moist air rises, and condensation releases heat high in the atmosphere. That heat lowers pressure near the surface and draws in more air. Earth’s rotation then helps organise the inflowing air into a spinning system. This explanation uses established meteorological knowledge; the article itself only reports Arnab’s intensification and forecast path.

As a storm moves across a sufficiently warm part of the Bay of Bengal, it can keep receiving heat and moisture. If winds around the system remain organised and upper-air conditions allow air to rise efficiently, the circulation may strengthen. Arnab intensified from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm and was forecast to become severe, then very severe.

The IMD expected Arnab to intensify over the westcentral Bay of Bengal on October 26 and 27 before moving northwestwards. It forecast landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28. Actual strength depends on changing ocean and atmospheric conditions, so official forecasts remain important.