Cyclone ‘Arnab’: Flights, trains cancelled as rain batters A.P.; 30,000 boats brought ashore; southern Odisha on edge

Cyclone Arnab was classified by the India Meteorological Department as a “very severe cyclonic storm.” It was moving northwestwards across the west-central Bay of Bengal toward the Yanam-Kakinada region. A cyclone’s landfall is the point at which its centre reaches the coastline. This matters because coastal districts can then face destructive winds, intense rain, flooding, and dangerous seas.

The IMD expected Arnab to make landfall between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, near Yanam and Kakinada. Its position at 5.30 p.m. Tuesday was about 90 kilometres southeast of Kakinada. Rain and wind had already affected Visakhapatnam, where at least 200 trees were uprooted.

The forecast timing had moved earlier than the IMD’s initial estimate of Wednesday forenoon. As the storm approached, authorities evacuated residents, cancelled transport services, prepared for power-pole damage, and alerted emergency agencies across Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.

The storm’s immediate impact was wide, stretching across transport, homes, fishing, and public safety. Jathara premises in rural Visakhapatnam recorded 141.75 millimetres of rain between 8.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. At least 84,396 people were evacuated in Andhra Pradesh, while Odisha planned to move more than 48,000 people from vulnerable southern districts.

More than 30,000 fishing boats were brought back from the sea. At least 21 flights were cancelled in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, and Vijayawada airport cancelled all Wednesday flights. The East Coast Railway cancelled or regulated 22 express and passenger services on different dates through November 5.

Private buses restricted movement into southern Odisha, and several ghat roads were closed because of possible landslips. These measures show that the storm’s effects were not limited to rainfall. Authorities also anticipated power failures, with up to 15,000 poles potentially collapsing, and mobilised 8,400 electricity personnel.

Flights, trains, buses, and roads were restricted because a severe cyclone makes travel dangerous and can damage transport infrastructure. Strong winds can affect aircraft operations, while heavy rain can reduce visibility and flood roads or railway tracks. Fallen trees, power lines, and debris can block routes. In hilly areas, saturated slopes may collapse onto roads.

Andhra Pradesh had already seen strong winds and more than 200 uprooted trees in Visakhapatnam. In southern Odisha, officials shut several ghat roads because of the prospect of landslips. The East Coast Railway cancelled or regulated 22 services connecting several cities, while private bus operators limited movement into southern Odisha.

Airlines cancelled at least 21 flights in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Vijayawada airport cancelled every flight on Wednesday. These restrictions reduced public exposure while helping emergency teams move through safer, less crowded routes as Arnab approached the coast.

Different places expected different hazards because Arnab’s rain and wind were spread across a moving system, while local terrain shaped the danger. Northern Andhra Pradesh was closest to the storm’s approach and had already received very heavy rain. Southern Odisha lay farther from the projected landfall but included hilly districts vulnerable to slope failures after intense rain.

Visakhapatnam recorded many locations above 100 millimetres and at least 200 uprooted trees. Rainfall was expected to shift toward Kakinada, West and East Godavari, and Konaseema as the system moved northwest. In Odisha, winds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour, gusting to 70, were forecast in several southern districts.

The IMD also warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty surface winds in seven Odisha districts. Odisha shut ghat roads because saturated hills could slip, while Andhra authorities focused on flooding, fallen trees, evacuations, and power disruptions.

During a cyclone, agencies divide work according to their expertise. The IMD monitors the storm, estimates its path and timing, and warns officials about rainfall and wind. Local and State governments use those warnings to open shelters, evacuate people, close unsafe routes, and coordinate public services. This division matters because accurate information must quickly become practical protection.

For Arnab, the IMD tracked the system from Vijayawada and forecast its movement toward Yanam. Andhra Pradesh set up 290 cyclone shelters and evacuated 84,396 people. The State mobilised 8,400 electricity personnel and prepared for possible damage to 15,000 power poles. More than 30,000 boats returned from the sea.

Teams from the National and State Disaster Response Force, the Navy, and the Coast Guard were alerted. The article does not assign each force a separate operation, but their alert status indicates preparedness for rescue, relief, maritime safety, and emergency response alongside government measures.

A cyclone forecast is an evolving estimate, not a fixed appointment. Forecasters use fresh observations of the storm’s position, movement, intensity, and surrounding atmosphere. If those observations show a different speed or direction, computer guidance and official forecasts can change. The expected landfall time or location may therefore move as the storm approaches.

For Arnab, the IMD first expected landfall around forenoon on Wednesday, October 28. Later, it forecast landfall between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. near Yanam-Kakinada. At 5.30 p.m. Tuesday, the storm was about 90 kilometres southeast of Kakinada and was moving faster than expected.

The revised timing mattered immediately. Authorities adjusted warnings, expected rainfall shifts, transport restrictions, and evacuation preparations. The example shows why residents should follow current official updates rather than rely on an earlier forecast, especially when a cyclone’s movement changes.

Tropical cyclones form over sufficiently warm ocean water when moist air rises and creates thunderstorms. As water vapour condenses into cloud, it releases heat, which can make more air rise. Air then flows inward toward the lower pressure area, and Earth’s rotation helps organise the circulation. A sustained system can intensify into a cyclone.

Near landfall, the storm still has access to warm, moisture-rich air, so its rainbands can remain intense. Its rotating winds push air and water around the centre, while towering clouds release heavy rain over coastal and nearby inland districts. Once over land, friction and reduced ocean energy usually weaken the system, though dangerous rain and winds can continue.

Arnab produced heavy rain and strong winds before landfall. Visakhapatnam recorded 141.75 millimetres at Jathara, while southern Odisha faced forecast winds up to 70 kmph, thunderstorms, lightning, and possible landslips.