Cyclone Arnab landfall likely during tomorrow forenoon; north Andhra on alert

Cyclone Arnab is moving toward India’s east coast and is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast. The forecast crossing point lies between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with the storm expected to reach near Yanam by late Tuesday. The expected timing is Wednesday morning, or Wednesday forenoon.

The storm was about 260 kilometres southeast of Visakhapatnam, 300 kilometres east-southeast of Kakinada, and 460 kilometres east of Bapatla, identified as the landfall area. It is expected to move west-northwest until Tuesday before approaching the coast.

The forecast matters because the cyclone may bring severe winds, rough seas, heavy weather, and storm-surge flooding. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to face the greatest effects, especially low-lying areas near the projected path. The IMD has issued alerts for several districts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

A tropical cyclone is a large, rotating storm system that forms over warm ocean water. It has a region of low air pressure near its centre. These storms matter because they can bring damaging winds, very heavy rain, coastal flooding, and dangerous seas across wide areas.

Warm seawater adds moisture to the air. That moist air rises, cools, and forms clouds. Condensation releases heat, which makes more air rise and lowers pressure further. Air then rushes toward the centre and begins rotating because Earth’s rotation affects its movement. This feedback can strengthen the storm and organize its winds.

Cyclone Arnab intensified into a “very severe” storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD expects winds of 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour. Its effects may include rough seas and a storm surge along coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The forecast wind speed is 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 140 kilometres per hour. These are cyclone-force winds, not ordinary breezes or routine strong winds. The sustained speed describes winds continuing over time, while gusts are shorter bursts that can be even more powerful.

For comparison, ordinary strong winds are much slower and usually cause limited disruption. Arnab’s winds can push debris, break branches, damage roofs, disrupt electricity, and make travel dangerous. Wind pressure also rises sharply as speed increases, so a relatively small increase in speed can produce much greater force.

The IMD expects the cyclone to approach the Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a “severe” cyclone. The article reports wind speeds of 115–125 kmph on Wednesday, with gusts up to 140 kmph, alongside rough seas and possible flooding.

A storm surge is a temporary rise in coastal water caused mainly by a storm’s strong winds and low pressure. It matters because seawater can move inland far beyond the usual shoreline. The danger becomes greater when the surge arrives during a high astronomical tide, the regular rise and fall of ocean water caused by the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

The article expects wave heights 1–2 metres above the astronomical tide. That means storm-driven water may be added to the normal tide level. Even a modest extra rise can overtop coastal edges, enter low-lying communities, and worsen flooding. Strong winds and rough seas can also make evacuation and rescue operations harder.

During Arnab’s landfall, coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to face this risk. The maximum peak surge is forecast near the Kakinada and Yanam coasts. The IMD therefore warns of inundation in low-lying areas as the cyclone crosses the coast.

An orange alert signals the possibility of significant weather impacts that require preparation and caution. The IMD issued it because Cyclone Arnab is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast as a severe cyclone. Forecast winds may reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph, while rough seas and flooding are also possible.

The expected storm surge could raise water 1–2 metres above the astronomical tide. That creates a serious risk of inundation in low-lying coastal areas. Strong winds can also make travel, fishing, power supply, and emergency work dangerous, although the article does not list specific damage forecasts.

The alert includes Anakapalli, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh. It also covers several Odisha districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Khorda. The alert helps authorities and residents prepare before the storm arrives.

Kakinada and Yanam are forecast to experience Cyclone Arnab’s maximum peak storm surge. This matters because a surge is most dangerous where storm winds and low pressure drive seawater toward the coast. Water levels can rise above the normal astronomical tide and flood nearby low-lying land.

The cyclone is expected to approach near Yanam and cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. The article places Arnab about 300 kilometres east-southeast of Kakinada and says the peak surge is expected near Kakinada and Yanam. These locations therefore lie close to the storm’s projected coastal impact zone.

The IMD expects surge waves 1–2 metres above the astronomical tide. That combination can cause coastal inundation during landfall. The forecast highlights where preparations may be especially important, even though the precise flooding area will depend on the storm’s final track and local coastal conditions.

Tropical cyclones begin over warm ocean water when heat and moisture enter the atmosphere. Moist air rises, cools, and forms clouds. Condensation releases heat, which powers more rising air and lowers surface pressure. Air flows toward the low-pressure centre, and Earth’s rotation helps organize the system into a spinning storm.

As this cycle continues, the storm can build stronger winds and heavier rain. Warm water acts as the cyclone’s energy supply. The storm also needs a reasonably organized circulation and suitable atmospheric conditions to strengthen. If these ingredients weaken, the cyclone can lose power.

After moving over land, a cyclone is cut off from warm seawater and its supply of moisture and heat. Friction from land also disrupts the circulation. Arnab has persisted over the west-central Bay of Bengal, but its future intensity will depend on its movement toward the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast and conditions along that path.