Cyclone Arnab: Red Alert for South Odisha, Landfall Expected on October 28

A red alert has been issued for southern Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh as cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ moves westwards over the west-central and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal. Moving at around 13 kmph, the storm is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall on October 28.

Cyclone Arnab to Intensify Further

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is currently located around 540 km southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It is approximately 540 km south-southeast of Puri, 550 km southeast of Gopalpur and 560 km south-southeast of Paradip in Odisha.

The storm is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the evening of October 26 and further strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.

Landfall on October 28

Cyclone Arnab is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, during the forenoon of October 28.

At the time of landfall, the maximum sustained wind speed is expected to reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph. Coastal areas are likely to experience strong winds and rough sea conditions.

Heavy Rainfall Warning for Odisha

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to several districts of Odisha between October 27 and 29.

An orange warning has been issued for Puri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts for October 27.

On October 28, a red warning has been issued for Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall.

An orange warning is also in place for Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh, Puri, Khordha, Subarnapur, Boudh and Nayagarh districts.

Fishermen Advised to Stay Away from Sea

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 27 to 29 due to rough conditions. Distant warning signal number 2 has been issued at Paradip and Dhamra ports, while local warning signal number 4 has been hoisted at Puri and Gopalpur ports.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather updates.